 |
No Friend Of the CCCBy
Rep. Bob Barr In an op-ed column Jan. 30, Mark Shields suggests that I am closely associated with a group known as the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC). 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. As I have said before, I find the racial views of this group repugnant and would never have spoken there, even the one time I did, if I had known of its views beforehand. In fact, I have told the group in writing that I disagree with its ridiculous opinions on race, and I 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. As the record shows, I don't. In the past several years, I have shared the stage with other groups with which I disagree on some issues, such as the ACLU. Is it also Mr. Shields's contention that sharing the stage with members of the ACLU makes me a liberal activist? Since The Post is so interested in my racial views, I will reiterate them. I deeply believe the color of a person's skin, the church he worships in or the country where he was born should have absolutely nothing to do with the opportunities he has in society or the status he holds under the law. I look forward to the day when our law and society are completely colorblind, and I will continue working toward that goal as long as I am in office. Bob
Barr |