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| Rep. George Cleveland |
Cleveland’s email didn’t include any comments about the image, which he sent to members of the House Republican caucus.
Two other legislators rebuked Cleveland for sending the image, The string of emails was obtained by The News & Observer.
“I am not sure what point George is trying to make with the email below but it is certainly in poor taste,” House Rules Chairman David Lewis of Dunn wrote. “There are forces at work following this election that I do not understand – forces of hate and intolerance. I condemn those forces. I condemn the KKK and Black Panthers and any other group hell bent on dividing us. We must be smart enough to know our words and actions matter.”
Rep. Bob Steinburg of Edenton responded to Lewis: “Amen David, Amen!! We need NONE of this even in a poor and in my view tasteless attempt at humor. We are better than that.”
Reached by phone Friday evening, Cleveland defended the email and said he did not create the image or headline. “It was a bit of humor that I thought was a good jab at the media, and that was it,” he said. “The media has been very biased in the campaign.”
He said Lewis’ reaction was likely because the legislative leader is “extremely sensitive to what’s going on in the courts.”
Cleveland wanted to know how a reporter had obtained the email. “If you’re going to get involved, it’s going to be definitely blown out of proportion,” he said.
One legislator who received the email replied with his own attempt at humor aimed at the left.
“We need to set up a ‘safe space’ for our people to go to after ‘micro-aggressions,’” Rep. John Blust of Greensboro wrote. “I see where N.C. State has done this in wake of the election for its students. They are even having grief councilors and granola bars. One can’t help but wonder if such students should be home with their parents.
“We are going to be hit and hit hard in the coming session over many things. Let us strive to develop some thick skin.”
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