Imagine a member of Congress talking about finding rope and a tree in a hearing about hate. It happened. And Rep. GOP Chip Roy (TX) has “no apologies” after his comments on lynching during a hearing that was focused on “the history of anti-Asian discrimination and rise in anti-Asian hate.” Here’s part of what the Texas Republican said:
“We believe in justice. There are old sayings in Texas about find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree. We take justice very seriously. And we ought to do that. Round up the bad guys.”
“My concern about this hearing is that it seems to want to venture into the policing of rhetoric in a free society, free speech, and away from the rule of law and taking out bad guys.”
Rep. Grace Meng delivered an emotional and personal response to Roy’s comments later in the hearing. Rolling Stone writes, “Meng (D-N.Y.) who is of Taiwanese descent, responded directly to Roy while also calling out the former president and Republicans for their use of anti-Asian slurs when speaking about Covid-19.”
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas went from lynchings to complaining the hearing was about policing free speech. He wants to criticize China.
NY Rep. Grace Meng – among those who’ve blasted racist rhetoric re: covid – wasn’t having it.
“We will not let you take our voice away from us.” pic.twitter.com/Akq1N4Hfkd
— Josie Huang (@josie_huang) March 19, 2021
Roy isn’t backing down though. Instead, he is doubling down.
Scooplet: Rep. Chip Roy statement on the Twitter outrage over his comments in judiciary subcommittee hearing: pic.twitter.com/2fURDq8sLh
— Henry Rodgers (@henryrodgersdc) March 18, 2021
Esquire writer Charles Pierce writes:
Even as a connoisseur of wingnut-speak, I have to admit that I didn’t expect a member of Congress, even a member of the current Republican caucus in the House, to use an allusion to lynching as a solution for hate crimes as opposed to a discussion of how hateful words can lead to hateful action.
Congressman Ted Lieu explains why these remarks were especially hurtful to the Asian community.
Chip Roy glorified lynching at a hearing on violence against Asians. The largest mass lynching in US history was against Chinese immigrants.
I served on active duty in the US military to defend @chiproytx’s right to say stupid, racist stuff. I just wish he would stop saying it. https://t.co/9pHb3ERgaN
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 18, 2021
Watch more reaction above from MSNBC’s Brian Williams.