MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR:
HCDP Chair Calls for Legislator's Resignation

"Where did this idea come from that everybody deserves free education, free medical care, free whatever? It comes from Moscow, from Russia. It comes straight out of the pit of hell. And it's cleverly disguised as having a tender heart. It's not a tender heart. It's ripping the heart out of this country."

Rep. Debbie Riddle's (R-Houston) petulant outburst at the March 5 Border Affairs Committee hearing betrays an ignorance and bigotry which disqualify her from serving on that committee of the Texas Legislature.

The "idea" that the state provide free public education for all children within its borders comes not from Russia, but from the Texas Constitution of 1876. Does Rep. Riddle really regard this state and its constitution as "the pit of hell"?

Concerning the education of children regardless of immigration status, then-Governor George W. Bush supported it even for children of undocumented residents. It was the basis of his claim to be a "compassionate" conservative. Rep. Riddle may be correct when she characterizes Governor Bush's feigned concern as mere pretense (a "clever disguise"), but denouncing Governor Bush for "ripping the heart out of this country" is disrespectful and disloyal to the leader of her party (and our country).

As for us taking care of the sick and the infirm, regardless of citizenship (medical care for those who need it), that's not an idea from Moscow - it comes from the Bible. (See, for example, Matthew 25:36-40 and 4:23-24). Whether or not it is good public policy (unlike Rep. Riddle, I happen to believe that providing medical care for those who need it regardless of economic or any immigration status, is a noble and legitimate public function), it's just dumb, or demagogic, to charge that a communist concept. And Rep. Riddle, I'm offended by your characterization of the Sermon on the Mount as coming from "the pit of hell."

Likely, Rep. Riddle's intemperate utterance was, in part, the product of an antipathy toward non-Anglo inhabitants of the state. At least, it sure looks and sounds that way. She may be Texas' own counterpart to Sen. Trent Lott, but he, at least, apologized for the pain caused by his comments. As far as I'm aware, Rep. Riddle has not done even that.

When Democratic Congressman Tom Moran made a stupid and hurtful comment suggesting the Iraqi war momentum was the result of "the strong support of the Jewish community for this war," he immediately resigned from his House leadership post "as a way to demonstrate acceptance of responsibility" for his insensitive remarks. He also apologized - repeatedly and sincerely. Rep. Riddle has done neither. She should do both. Her intransigence reveals her callousness, arrogance, and intolerance. It is shameful and unacceptable.

Deny medical care to infants simply because they are poor and undocumented? Condemn children in our midst to lifetimes of illiteracy for reasons over which they have no control? So that's what it means to a "compassionate" conservative? Could have fooled me.

Rep. Riddle, you should be ashamed and apologize. And step down from your Border Affairs Committee post.

But you won't.

Gerry Birnberg
Chair, Harris County Democratic Party
April, 2003

Archive of Gerry Birnberg's Messages

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