Rev. Tim McDonald Speaks On Ads Run by North Carolina Congressional Candidate
Rev. Tim McDonald Releases a Statement on the Divisive and Intolerant Rhetoric Being Used by Vernon Robinson. Among other affronts, North Carolina congressional candidate’s ads link immigrants, African American religious leaders and gays and lesbians to Osama bin Laden
African American Ministers in Action Chair Rev. Timothy McDonald issued the following statement in response to ads (available here) being run by congressional candidate Vernon Robinson in North Carolina’s 13th congressional district:
“Vernon Robinson’s divisive and intolerant rhetoric is profoundly disappointing. I had hoped that by the 21st Century our nation would have advanced beyond such vitriol.
“One of the Vernon Robinson ads places many of our American brothers and sisters in the same category as Osama bin Laden. Another implies that Latino immigrants are trying to take over our country. One says that ‘black hoodlums need to stop stealing and start getting jobs.’ Others are explicitly anti-gay. This sort of rhetoric is low-minded and designed to pit one group against another. It is simply unacceptable.
“God commands us to love our neighbors and to avoid bearing false witness against them. Regrettably, Vernon Robinson’s rhetoric does neither.
“By itself, this rhetoric is deeply troubling. But in context, it is even more so. Vernon Robinson has raised millions of dollars from people all over the country, and his party’s leaders have refused to distance themselves from him. Indeed, some prominent right-wing leaders, including Tom Tancredo and Michelle Malkin, have embraced him. Unfortunately, Vernon Robinson cannot be dismissed as an isolated, fringe character.
“Public service is about achieving a higher purpose. Those who are called to lead have a duty to unite people, set an example for others, and show what is best about our country. We call upon elected leaders across the Carolinas and across the country to make it clear that such divisive rhetoric and attempts to demonize one’s fellow citizens have no place in politics.�
For more information on Vernon Robinson and the Right Wing click here