MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 5th Extraordinary Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Scott, Bailey, Bentz, Blackmon, Broomfield, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Clark, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Ellis, Espy, Evans, Fillingane, Flaggs, Fleming, Fredericks, Gibbs, Harrison, Hines, Holloway, Huddleston, Johnson, Middleton, Morris, Myers, Perkins, Robinson (63rd), Smith (27th), Straughter, Thomas, Watson, Young
A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING AND OSTRACIZING FORMER UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF EDUCATION WILLIAM BENNETT FOR HIS REPULSIVE, CONDESCENDING AND RACIST REMARKS.
WHEREAS, on Thursday, September 29, 2005, America's ears were tainted with the impurities of racial improprieties espoused by former United States Secretary of Education William Bennett; and
WHEREAS, this despicable utterance by Bennett highlights not only a blatant disrespect for African Americans, but also a disregard for the value of human life; and
WHEREAS, in this present day and time, for such a vile and derogatory remark as that spoken by Bennett, "aborting every black baby in this country would reduce the crime rate," to be aired on nationally syndicated television and radio shows is both incomprehensible and preposterous; and
WHEREAS, even in the most hypothetical of scenarios, this absurdity dealt an insulting blow to African Americans and every minority ethnic group in the nation alike, and amounts to a ludicrous proposition of cultural genocide, similarly reminiscent of Nazi Germany during Hitler's reign of terror; and
WHEREAS, the social injustice and indignity delivered by a public figure of Bennett's stature brings us face to face with the stark reality that the pestilence of racism in our country is still rampant; and
WHEREAS, it is policy of the House of Representatives to sustain and uphold the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, the United States Constitution and an equally unbiased opportunity for all to become productive citizens our society:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby condemn and ostracize William Bennett for his repulsive, condescending and racial slurs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.