In a tense hearing, Rep. Dr. Valdenia Winn, a college professor, let her unhappiness be heard with legislation that would change in-state tuition for young students.
http://www.salina.com/...
“This is a racist, sexist, fear-mongering bill,” said Winn, a member of the House Education Committee. “I want to apologize to the students and parents whose lives are being hijacked by the racist bigots who support this bill, because this bill is an act —”
It was then, according to a story in the Topeka Capital-Journal, that Barker interrupted Winn.
“Mr. Chairman, I object,” said Barker, who earlier made a motion to pass the bill. “She just referred to this committee as racist.”
“I said ‘supporters,’ ” Winn replied. “You can do anything you want.”
“I object,” Barker repeated.
“If the shoe fits, it fits,” Winn said. “This is an example of institutional racism.”
Yesterday, 9 Republican men swore out complaints so they can mansplain manners to the Democratic woman from Wyandotte County. Scheduled for 2PM tomorrow, the formal complaint cites “offensive and reprehensible” language uttered in the committee hearing, and as a result, they demand that Rep. Winn be censured.
Republicans, who are apparently hurt about having a member call legislation offensive have decided that they should be the only ones to throw punches.
In a conversation with Rep. Gail Finney, Wichita, I asked: How serious is this, really?
Her answer was straight and to the point: "It is serious." Noting that Rep. Merrick, Speaker of the House had made notices to other members and it would move forward.
The Republicans have decided that they will seek censure - or outright expulsion from the body.
This has been a wild week for Republicans in Kansas. Rep. Virgil Peck, from Tyro, KS finds himself under fire for using a private plane on the state of Kansas dime to make it back to the capital for a vote. Rep. Peck, of course is famous for his claims about shooting minorities from a low flying helicopter like "feral hogs".
Rep. Winn's assertion, however, that a bill have racist overtones is simply too much for Republicans, who have decided that now is the time to explain manners to Dr. Winn, in an effort to teach her what kind of manners are expected in the capital.
The complaint against Rep. Winn will be heard by the House Select Investigating Committee, in order to get to the bottom of the problem of referring to a piece of legislation as rooted in bad assumptions and pandering to racist ideals.
So, while Kris Kobach can go on the air and assert that Pres. Obama will refuse to prosecute African Americans, and other wild conspiracy theories, a woman speaking out on an issue close to heart?
Well, that's a bridge too far in Topeka.