President George Bush, over the weekend, joined a growing list of leaders and lawmakers in condemning conservative commentator William J.Bennett, who said last week that "if you wanted to reduce crime, you could-if that were your sole purpose-you could abort every black baby in this country and your crime rate would go down."
"The President believes the comments were not appropriate," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Friday during a briefing with reporters.
Bennett, a former education secretary during the Regan Administration, made his remarks Wednesday during the broadcast of his radio show "Morning in America." Bennett has not apologized for his remarks, telling reporters Friday that his comments were taken out of context.
"Anyone paying attention to this debate should be offended by those who have selectively quoted me, distorted my meaning, and taken out of context the dialogue I engaged in this week," Bennett said. "Such distortions from leaders of organizations and parties is a disgrace not only to the organizations and instituitions they serve, but to the First Amendment."
He said that the media, as well as democrats calling for him to apologize are overlooking the fact that he followed up his statement with remarks saying that aborting all black babies to reduce crime would be immoral.
Bennett went on to "renounce all forms of bigotry" and to say that "my record in trying to provide opportunities for, as well as save the lives of minorities in this country stands up just fine."
Democratic leaders were not convinced and unleashed a flurry of criticisms on Bennett. "These are shameful words," said House minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on the floor of the House.
Despite the backlash, no plans have been announced to cancel Bennett's radio show.
Isn't this CRAZY?!?[color]
