Staffers Under Siege With
Complaints
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Just minutes ago, local Winston-Salem TV station WXII12 News released an exclusive interview with embattled Rep. Virginia Foxx, whose malicious comments about the circumstances surrounding the murder of Matthew Shepard have caused scorn and anger, and, according to her office, ten death threats.
Foxx’s newest “apology” demonstrates her lack of understanding of the basic issue confronting her: She lied about why Matthew Shepard was killed, and maligned the memory of a 21 year-old college student who, to the world, has become the face of a hate crime victim.
“In the heat of trying to handle the rule on the floor, anybody can use a bad choice of words. Saying that the event was a hoax was a poor choice of words,” Foxx said. “I’ve apologized for that. I never meant in any way to harm the family or offend the family or anybody else for that matter.”
Hardly a change from yesterday’s statement:
“The term ‘hoax’ was a poor choice of words used in the discussion of the hate-crimes bill,†Foxx said in a statement. “Mr. Shepard’s death was nothing less than a tragedy, and those responsible for his death certainly deserved the punishment they received.â€
One non-apology is bad, two demonstrates not only a lack of remorse or decency, but a total lack of understanding of the important and sensitive issues that confront out country.
Another indication?
“It is very unfortunate that these calls have come in. I would say 99 percent of them are from outside the district and it is unfortunate that people have taken this position.”
Foxx is not taking responsibility for her comments, and is playing the victim. “It is very unfortunate that these calls have come in.” Really? Unfortunate? How about saying something like, “I’m sorry for what I said. I have rethought my comments and done more research regarding Matthew Shepard’s murder. I was wrong. His was not murdered because he was being robbed. He was murdered because his killers knew he was gay and targeted a 5′ 4″ one hundred pound gay college student.”
“I would say 99 percent of them are from outside the district and it is unfortunate that people have taken this position.” Again, really? Rep. Foxx is under the mistaken concept that she is the Representative for her district. She does not grasp the fact that she is a United States Congresswoman who may be elected by a portion of the citizens of North Carolina, but she represents every American.
“What I hope my constituents know is that I’m in Washington ever day that I’m required to be there, working hard for them, doing the best to make sure that the federal government doesn’t take away their rights and their money.”
We’re thrilled she goes to work every day. She’s lucky to have a job. Her performance, as I wrote yesterday, is questionable and this situation highlights her poor performance.
Virginia Foxx may not be my Representative, but she represents every American. And her comments and refusal to correct the record have damaged the memory of a young man already dead, have damaged the reputation of her office, and have damaged the perception of America.
Today’s statement by Virginia Foxx is insufficient. It is pitiful, unacceptable, and is the last straw. The time for apologies is over. The time to remove Virginia Foxx from office is now.
See the video and join our Facebook group, FireFoxx: Fire Virginia Foxx.