Walsh should think before he speaks

Congressman Joe Walsh’s remark that Rev. Jesse Jackson “would be out of work if (blacks) weren’t dependent on government” was offensive. Our elected officials need to think before they speak. Irresponsible language promotes division. Statements like this only demonstrate why Rev. Jackson continues to remind us all that racism still exists.

That thought makes our civilized, politically correct society cringe. Congressman Walsh said that his intention was “to take a shot at the Democratic Party.” He said that he just “shot out” these words. The problem is that they are unfounded in truth and offensive in nature. He continued to dig the trench deeper when he added that Rev. Jackson benefits from living in a racist society.

I don’t believe that Congressman Walsh intended to alienate voters. He just spoke without thinking about the consequences his words might have. I think he forgot that he is supposed to represent people with many different feelings on these issues. He did exactly what he accused Rev. Jackson of doing. He tried to benefit politically by accusing Rev. Jackson of using race as an issue for political gain. I do not want anyone who speaks like this to represent me in Congress.

Joanne Gurion

Rolling Meadows