Democrats Walk Out Over ‘Racist’ House Presenter
Florida State GOP tries to norm another hate group.
Democratic Leader Janet Cruz of Tampa said members of the minority party had no choice but to stage a walk-out. She sent a letter to House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes, late Wednesday demanding Krikorian’s invitation to speak be revoked.
The presentation was not cancelled, and Harrell began the hearing by asking all of its members to listen to diverse ideas and consider them as part of the policy making process.
“The House does not endorse the views of any speaker here, but we are simply allowing a free exchange of ideas,” she said.
But Cruz said listening to Krikorian’s ideas was not a productive part a policy debate. And, she said, Krikorian’s presentation was different from just listening to diverse viewpoints of people who choose to give testimony at a public meeting because he was invited by Harrell to present his views.
“The problem we have is with the individual who wishes to influence the policy process,” she said. “We want to be part of a policy discussion, and we will, but we will not sit in the face of darkness.”