HomeNewsGOP state representative from Montana says the Constitution calls for socialists to be jailed or shot.

GOP state representative from Montana says the Constitution calls for socialists to be jailed or shot.

GOP state representative from Montana says the constitution calls for socialist to be jailed or shot.

A GOP state lawmaker from Montana is facing criticism from his own party after he claims that the United States Constitution calls for socialists to be jailed or shot.

Rep. Rodney Garcia (R-Mont.) first made the controversial comments at a state Republican Party event in Helena on Friday. According to the Billings Gazette, Garcia expressed concerns about socialist “entering our government” and socialists “everywhere” in Billings, before saying the Constitution says to either shoot socialists or put them in jail.

Even though the Montana Republican party condemned Garcia’s remarks, the state lawmaker doubled down on Saturday when he was asked by a reporter to clarify his remarks.

“So actually in the Constitution of the United States (if) they are found guilty of being a socialist member you either go to prison or are shot,” Garcia said. He was reportedly unable to identify exactly which portion of the Constitution called for such extreme measures to be taken against socialists. But, that didn’t stop Garcia, he added, “they’re enemies of the free state. What do we do with our enemies in war? In Vietnam, (Afghanistan), all those. What did we do?”

“I agree with my Constitution,” Garcia said. “That’s what makes us free. We’re not a democracy, we’re a Republic Constitution.”

Republican backlash.

The state’s Republican Party reportedly spoke out against the comments on Saturday. Spenser Merwin, the executive director of the Montana Republican Party, said in a statement Saturday that the party “wholeheartedly condemns the comment that was made and under no circumstance is violence against someone with opposing political views acceptable,” according to the Associated Press.

The State Democratic Party has called for Republican party members to speak out against Garcia who has a long history of local controversies–including a domestic dispute with his ex-wife that led to his conviction and arrest.

“Rodney Garcia has brazenly flaunted his conviction for a domestic dispute, called single moms deadbeats, and was only elected because he created an illegal campaign cash scam.” Montana Democratic Party chair Robyn Driscol told Billings Gazette. “All candidates in attendance — especially those with previous assault charges — must immediately condemn his remarks,” she added.

2 thoughts on “GOP state representative from Montana says the Constitution calls for socialists to be jailed or shot.

  1. My God is anyone going to speak up against the makers of the open cesspool that allows creatures like him to participate in governing. What the hell is it going to take for you Party Above All people to do the right thing?

  2. I guess it’s okay to be a wife beater in the Republican Party of Montana.

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