Washington, D.C. – During today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) delivered the following statement, as prepared for delivery, highlighting the Democrat’s offensive, racially motivated rhetoric toward Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and other conservative minorities.

“I appreciate the eloquent defense of life offered by many of my Republican colleagues this morning. I add my voice to theirs in recognizing the sanctity of all life.

“Having grown up in the Jim Crow South of segregation and the KKK, I am familiar with true racism, intolerance, and hate. All due to the color of my skin.

“I see the same thing today in 2022, as the Left – the so-called party of tolerance – who bang the drum of racism, inequality, and inequity – do not practice what they preach.

“The leaked opinion and reversal of Roe v. Wade unleashed carefully planned attacks on pro-life organizations, violent protests, an assassination attempt, and a racially charged firestorm against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

“But that is nothing new – Justice Thomas has been a target of the left for over 40 years. Instead of celebrating the second Black American on our nation’s highest court, they declared open season with vicious and racist attacks.

“This is because he is an articulate, confident Black conservative, who loves the American tenants of God, Country, and Family. Because he is a Black man who dares to think differently than they believe he should.

“I would like to share some of their comments with the committee.

“Samuel L. Jackson called Justice Thomas “Uncle Clarence” and tweeted that a ban on interracial marriage was next.  

“Rep. Benny Thompson called Justice Thomas an “Uncle Tom,” citing his support for voter ID and opposition to affirmative action.  

“He stated that Justice Thomas “doesn’t like black people, he doesn’t like being black.” I’m going to take a second to “repeat the line.” Justice Thomas “doesn’t like black people, he doesn’t like being black.”  

“Chicago Mayor Lightfoot attacked Justice Thomas in a profane rant, suggesting that the decision would lead to overturning gay marriage.  

“Hillary Clinton called Justice Thomas an angry “person of grievance.”  

“And it is not just Justice Thomas they attack.  

“CNN suggested that Congresswoman Mayra Flores was not the “real deal.” They believe, and I quote, that she “holds views outside the Latino mainstream.” Mayra, too, dares to think differently. 

“A guest of MSNBC host Joy Reid called Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears a “Black mouth” of White supremacy.  

“Twitter allowed “Uncle Tim” to trend for HOURS after Senator Tim Scott’s State of the Union rebuttal before taking action.  

“A newspaper cartoonist portrayed me as a Klansman. Typical of condescending racism. 

“If these attacks were aimed at Barack Obama, for example, it would be called out by this committee and the media for exactly what it is: Pure racism. The chairman would probably hold a hearing on it. 

“I would like to tender some advice for those who attempt to divide us with hateful rhetoric. First, I recommend a good book called How to Win Friends and Influence People. You guys are failing miserably. And second, I suggest you have missed the American Spirit 101. We do not respond well to intimidation. 

“This pattern of intolerance is disgusting. It is unjustified. It is un-American. Most importantly, it shows just how far we have come from MLK’s dream, where “our children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” 

“Instead of working to de-legitimize our institutions and defaulting to fear-mongering tactics and baseless arguments that the Supreme Court wants to take away our rights, we should be honest with the American people. 

“Roe v. Wade cost us 63 million innocent lives. Like the pro-slavery Dred Scott decision of 1857, it was flawed. Overturning Roe did not outlaw abortion or take away the Constitutional rights of Americans. It put the decision in each state – in the hands of We the People where it belongs. 

“It is time to settle down. Time to take off your mask and show your faces, put down your stones and firebombs and through civil debate, convince us that you are right. My prediction. You have no clue. In the meantime, a Black Constitutionalist on the Supreme Court who stands with that decision should be revered, not ridiculed.

“One last thought – Justice Thomas is an old-school American. I promise you that he will not be intimidated.  

“Thank you and I yield back.”

Watch the full remarks here. 

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