Despite widespread condemnation from both sides of the aisle, the idea that a majority of young immigrants are drug runners is Steve King’s story and he’s stickin’ to it.
On Tuesday, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) rejected bipartisan criticism and again condemned young undocumented immigrants as “drug mules” in a radio interview with O.Kay Hunderson. Notably, he said that for every so-called DREAMer who is a valedictorian, there are “one hundred drug mules” and “you can tell by their physical characteristics what they’ve been doing for months.” [...]
Rep. Joe Garcia (D-FL) criticized King for his remarks during House hearings on Wednesday morning. But King responded, [Garcia] “didn’t suggest that there are more valedictorians than there are drug mules, but it’s enough for anybody to be offended these days. They apparently don’t have to use their brain.”
Apparently the onus is on Steve King’s critics to prove that a majority of young immigrants aren’t drug runners, and if they would simply “use their brain” they would see that he’s right.
I wouldn’t take it at face value when House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor condemn King’s comments because those two men are who will decide what is voted on in the House of Representatives.
Boehner and Cantor can call it “hateful language,” but the question is will they support hateful legislation? If Eric Cantor “strongly disagrees” with Steve King, he can prove it by supporting a path to citizenship.
I wouldn’t hold my breath. After all, according to John Boehner real leadership is knowing when to step aside.
(photo via Getty)