Gary Franks Denounces Joe Biden's "Back in Chains" Metaphor

WATERBURY, Conn., Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wall Street Journal reports that Vice President Joe Biden is under fire for a metaphor that he used on the campaign trail. According to the article, he "told voters in Virginia that Mitt Romney's policies will put people 'back in chains.'" This comment has been criticized by many individuals, particularly African American citizens who feel it was inappropriate given historical events. Gary Franks, former Congressional representative from Connecticut, believes that this remark was uncalled for and offensive.

The context of the statement, according to the article, was in reference to Vice President Biden's assertion that Romney would "unchain Wall Street" and "let the big banks once again write their own rules." He then remarked: "They're going to put you all back in chains." The response from the crowd, which comprised many African American citizens, was a mixture of cheers and boos. The comment quickly gained negative attention.

Andrea Saul, spokesperson for the Romney campaign, chastised the Vice President and the campaign strategy of the Democratic Party: "After weeks of slanderous and baseless accusations leveled against Governor Romney, the Obama Campaign has reached a new low. [Vice President Biden's comments were] not acceptable in our political discourse and demonstrate yet again that the Obama Campaign will say and do anything to win this election."

The Obama Campaign responded by upholding the comments made by Vice President Biden. Stephanie Cutter, President Obama's Deputy Campaign Manager, states that the party supports his remarks, which were "describing the devastating impact letting Wall Street write its own rules again would have on middle class families."

Franks believes that, no matter the issue, calling upon images of horrific historical events to win votes is not acceptable and is disappointed in the Obama Campaign for supporting such comments.

"I am very disappointed by the 'put you all back in chains' remarks made by Vice President Biden," asserts Gary Franks. "It represents a new low, per the use of the race card. During his term, black unemployment is at a near record high of over 14 percent, black teenage unemployment is over 40 percent, and the poverty rate has increased by 45 percent. This is the last topic that Mr. Biden should be talking about in such an inflammatory fashion."

ABOUT:

A former Congressional representative from Waterbury, Connecticut, Gary Franks is the only African American to represent his state in Congress. Additionally, Gary Franks was the first African American conservative to be elected to Congress in the history of the United States. By participating in politics, Gary Franks has taken the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the lives of citizens, particularly those who are less fortunate, through the proposal of bills that fund small businesses, create jobs, and provide solutions to other issues that impact quality of life in the United States of America.

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