NJDC Condemns House GOP Blocking Disapproval of West’s Goebbels Remark
Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC- The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) today condemned the tabling of a motion by House Republicans that would have expressed disapproval of Representative Allen West’s (R-FL) recent invocation of Joseph Goebbels to attack Democrats. NJDC President and CEO David A. Harris said:
“This afternoon’s vote lays bare where House Republicans stand on inappropriate Holocaust rhetoric, such as Allen West’s ‘Goebbels’ remark. Unfortunately, the resolution disapproving of West’s deeply disturbing comparison failed on a party-line vote, with Republicans blocking any effort to formally criticize West’s objectionable behavior. As we have said repeatedly, invoking the Holocaust to make political points is never acceptable and we have implored Republicans and Democrats alike to take a firm stand against this toxic and disrespectful language. House Republicans overwhelmingly failed to join Democrats today in sending a message that abusive Holocaust references are unacceptable, always.
“Of special note is the vote to block any criticism of the ‘Goebbels’ remark by the lone Jewish Republican in the House—Majority Leader Eric Cantor. It is long past time for the Majority Leader to do what’s right on this essential issue, and to implore his colleagues to join us in what should be a bipartisan effort to stop abusive Holocaust and Nazi rhetoric and comparisons. Such language is never appropriate —ever.”
The text of the resolution can be downloaded here as a pdf here.
For more on West’s Goebbels comment, click here.
For condemnations from some of West’s colleagues and American Jewish organizations, click here.
