Michele Bachmann, whose presidential campaign poll numbers are falling fast, Monday released a statement on a petition with 141,000 signatures (image) that was hand-delivered to her by the mother of Justin Aaberg, a Minnesota student who died by suicide last year. Bachmann refuses to take any action or to use her position as a Congresswoman and leader of the Tea Party caucus to investigate anti-gay student bullying in schools, or to take any action whatsoever.
“I assure you I will continue to be a listening ear for any constituent wishing to express his or her view on this or any other issue” Bachmann’s response stated, offering little more than “a listening ear.” Bachmann did admit, “bullying is wrong,” but described herself as “one of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the Anoka-Hennepin School District.” In other words, you can’t point the finger at me.
Previously, when cornered on the subject, Bachmann claimed anti-gay bullying of school children is “not a federal issue.” Recently, a 14-year old New York student, Jamey Rodemeyer, died by suicide after being bullied for years. Bachmann’s district itself has been listed as a federal “suicide contagion” area, but conservatives are loath to take any action to protect or assist LGBT students, calling anti-gay bullying an harassment prevention programs “indoctrination.”
It would not be excessively cynical to suggest that Bachmann’s statement was released to both shore up support for her among her base, and to get her name out into the media, which has been harder as Herman Cain’s number’s have been rising. Bachmann has also refused to comment on the booing of a gay soldier by members of the Republican audience at a GOP debate September 22.
Here’s Bachmann’s full statement:
Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns about anti-gay bullying and harassment via the CREDO Action petition. As your Representative for the 6th district of Minnesota, your views are very important to me and I appreciate hearing from you.
Unquestionably, bullying is wrong. I agree that no student should feel belittled or threatened by peers at school. All human lives have undeniable value, and I urge parents, teachers, and students alike to champion this fact in our community and to address instances of bullying promptly and firmly when they occur.
As one of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the Anoka-Hennepin School District, I am very aware and concerned about the cases of bullying and suicides that have occurred there. In response, my office has been in communication with both school officials and with individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide.
We all desire to see bullying brought to an end and the best interests of students served in our schools. Again, thank you for your commitment on this matter. I assure you I will continue to be a listening ear for any constituent wishing to express his or her view on this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Michele Bachmann
Member of CongressÂ
(Via Dump Bachmann and the Minnesota Independent)