Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), a member of the progressive House “Squad,” sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum when she declared, on our nation’s 257th birthday, “The Declaration of Independence was written by enslavers and didn’t recognize Black people as human. Today is a great day to demand Reparations Now.” Bush’s statement, deeply problematic in the eyes of many conservatives, ignited an Independence Day debate with renewed enthusiasm.
Conservative critics were quick to voice their disdain for Bush’s remarks. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton labeled Bush an “anti-American extremist,” and conservative radio host Todd Starnes retorted, “Ma’am, if you hate America so much – why don’t you just leave?” The undertone of Starnes’ comment is clear: the ability to critique America’s past does not justify the degradation of our shared heritage and the nation’s most cherished principles.
Having people who hate your nation hold power inside it is clear evidence of a terminal illness
Nothing healthy would allow this rot to exercise authority https://t.co/lgig3kWWZ5
— Auron MacIntyre (@AuronMacintyre) July 5, 2023
This isn’t Bush’s first foray into advocating for reparations; she’s been an ardent supporter of the “Reparations Now Resolution.” This proposal demands the Federal Government’s responsibility to provide reparations in various forms, including financial compensation. It aims to rectify supposed harms related to housing, health, education, and other areas. Nevertheless, this initiative strikes many as a problematic and potentially divisive step in addressing past injustices.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) defended American values and pushed back against a narrative portraying America as inherently evil. He encouraged parents to ensure their kids understand that those “who see America as an evil nation built on stolen land & who are offended by our flag, patriotic songs & chants of USA” may be influential but are fundamentally misguided.
Other responses to Bush questioned the basis of her reparations argument. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, dryly remarked, “You’re gonna need reparations for this ratio,” reflecting the largely negative responses to Bush’s tweet.
Just stop.
You voted to send $113 Billion to the white people and white Nazi army of Ukraine. https://t.co/aFtTH4Bhnb
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) July 4, 2023
Adding to the controversy, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) criticized Bush for her hypocrisy. While Bush called for reparations, Greene pointed out that the Missouri congresswoman voted to send Ukraine billions of dollars in military aid. The Georgia Republican’s contentious comment highlights an apparent disconnect in Bush’s political stance, fueling the ongoing debate about U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine.
It’s crucial to consider the broader context in which this debate occurs. While it’s evident that our nation’s past is marred by moments of grave injustice, Bush’s Independence Day call for reparations represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the day’s significance. Independence Day is not just a celebration of America as it is but also of the potential our Founding Fathers saw for a nation built on principles of liberty and equality.
