Speaking at a Town Hall meeting, Representative Paul Broun commented that he believes that Democrats in Congress are looking for a pretext to impose martial law.
He also spoke of a “socialistic elite” – Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – who might use a pandemic disease or natural disaster as an excuse to declare martial law.
“They’re trying to develop an environment where they can take over,” he said. “We’ve seen that historically.”
Of course, he didn’t actually proffer any evidence for this despicable claim. He’s just fanning the fires.
In perusing Rep. Broun’s career, I note that he has introduced legislation to officially designate the year 2010 the “Year of the Bible.” In that spirit, I would hope that Rep. Broun would take some time to read Exodus 20:16 before he again falsely accuses his colleagues in Congress of treason.
(link via Dave Weigel)
Update: I know that some folks in the comments have asked whether Broun actually used the phrase “martial law,” so I emailed the reporter and asked him. He pointed me to his blog, where he has put the full context of the quote. Broun did not use the actual phrase “martial law,” but a constituent did, and he cited his agreement with that constiuent, so I believe that the criticism should stand.
“We have an agenda (unintelligible) by the socialistic elite — Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Obama and those folks in Washington — who want control everything that you do and everything that I do, and you’re exactly right,” Broun said. “They’re trying to create an environment where they can take over. We’ve seen it historically.”
Townsend urged audience members to speak to their local officials about emergency procedures like curfews that have already been put in place.
“When they go to martial law, we’re looking at no rights or anything,” she said.
“That’s right,” Broun said. “You’re right, and I appreciate y’all bringing it up.”
