Barr on CCC

Letters to the Editor
Los Angeles Times, Wednesday, February 10, 1999


In a Jan. 19 column, Robert Scheer suggests I am closely associated with a group known as the Council of Conservative Citizens. As a former U.S. attorney who has prosecuted white supremacists and racially motivated police violence, I find this charge so offensive and inaccurate that I cannot ignore it.

I find the racial views of this group repugnant and would never have spoken there if I had known of their views beforehand. In fact, I have told the group in writing that I disagree with its ridiculous opinions on race and have urged others to disassociate themselves from the CCC. It is absurd and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that one speech--during which I discussed only the impeachment process, as I was asked to do--implies that I in any way share or support this group's views.

I deeply believe the color of a person's skin, the church they worship in or the country where they were born should have absolutely nothing to do with the opportunities they have in society or the status they hold under the law.

I look forward to the day when our law and society are completely colorblind.

Rep. Bob Barr
R-Ga.