West offers explanation about slavery remarks

July 12, 2012 Filed under FLORIDA Posted by admin

Florida congressman calls reports of him equating slavery to Social Security ‘absolutely false’

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Congressman Allen West (R-Fla.) tried to do damage control this week after sparking controversy with remarks he made last weekend blasting Social Security disability insurance as “a form of modern, 21st-century slavery.”

U.S. Congressman Allen West is shown in November 2010 in Fort Lauderdale. (CAREY WAGNER/SUN SENTINEL/MCT)

Since June of 2009 or so, we have seen 2.4 million private sector jobs created, but we’ve had 3.1 million people going on Social Security disability and, as we said just this past month, the 85,000 went on Social Security disability as opposed to 80,000 jobs created,” the Florida Republican said July 8 on Fox News.

“So once again we are creating the sense of economic dependence which, to me is a form of modern, 21st-century slavery.”

Explanation on Facebook
On his Facebook page, he issued the following report:
“Liberal media reports saying I am equating Social Security of hardworking Americans to a form of slavery is absolutely false.

“It seems that there is absolutely no level the attack machine will sink to deliberately distort my comments.

“I was clearly talking about the number of people on Social Security disability – a completely separate issue then claims that I said I am against Social Security.
“The facts are that we have had more people added to Social Security disability then jobs created, and that is appalling.

“Since 2009, our country has seen 2.4 million jobs created compared to 3.1 million people added to Social Security disability. I am against the waste, fraud and abuse when it comes to social security disability, and I will not be silenced on that issue.

West: ‘Let’s get the facts straight
He continued, “I am well aware hardworking Americans have paid into the Social Security Program and I am committed to protecting social security retirement benefits for retirees and future retirees.

“We are creating economic dependence. That is what I am calling out. This has nothing to do with the Americans who have earned their retirement.

“What the liberal media machine wants to hide from you, and distort with my comments, is that the policies of President Barack Obama are making our nation a nation based on economic dependency – and I call this a form of modern 21st Century slavery.

‘Let’s get the facts straight’
“For my comments in their entirety, watch the interview on the front page of my youtube channel youtube.com/allenwestfl or on west.house.gov page
According to political analyst Stuart Rothenberg, West can be considered vulnerable in his campaign for a second term. Running in a new district this election cycle, the Florida congressman is facing off against Republican challenger Martin County Sheriff Bob Crowder in an Aug.14 primary. Patrick Murphy is running as the Democratic candidate in West’s district.