Congressman’s Racist Remarks – Judge for Yourself

Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan is learning a valuable political lesson. He’s become the darling of the GOP with his radical ideas grounded in the Tea Party movement’s ideology. He’s got a spotlight on him that doesn’t dim, so he’s learning that everywhere he goes, he’s “on.”

The cameras caught up with him at a recent Town Hall meeting in a small room in a small town. His presence magnified the event. What was said and done there has reverberated in the digital echo chamber – it’s part of the present political process, so it’s relevant.

The part of the meeting in question began with a remark from the audience regarding immigration. That led to a woman’s counter-comment and Ryan’s attempt to intervene.

Things to keep in mind.

I’ve posted the video below, but before you watch it, take note:

• The town hall meeting was in Paddock Lake, Wisconsin, 15oo miles from the US-Mexico border.
• The comments from an ex-marine, who was off-camera, were not substantiated.
• Those comments were made from observations during 5 month visits to Southern New Mexico.
• Ryan didn’t question the validity of the ex-marine’s comments.

There’s a point in the video where a woman takes issue with the remarks that she calls “racist.” At that point Ryan immediately acts to quiet the lady (also off-camera) and defends the ex-marine’s right to speak.

It’s when he tries to regain control of the meeting that Ryan makes the “catch and release” statement. Catch and release is a term coined by law enforcement and it refers to the practice of detaining undocumented workers and later setting them free at the border. It’s jargon. Does it sound like fly-fishing? Yeah, it does. Does it characterize undocumented people as fish? Yes as well. Does the fact that it’s jargon make it OK to use the term? No.

Are there more important things to talk about? I think so. What do you think?

Isn’t it interesting how racist comments will be preceded by a blanket statement about how “most people won’t broach the subject for fear of being called a racist.” That’s like saying “most people won’t kick your dog for fear of being called an animal abuser, but I’m going to kick your dog anyway.”

Follow Victor Landa onTwitter: @vlanda