public assistance

FUROR OVER ROMNEY’S “47%” COMMENTS: FACT-CHECKS REVEAL DISTORTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Author H. Jackson Brown once observed that “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” 

Now a video shot secretly during a fundraiser for Mitt Romney with wealthy donors is sparking controversy over his apparent insensitivity to nearly half of the American people. In the video, which Romney admits is authentic, the presidential candidate is seen insulting Americans who receive any form of public assistance—including recipients of Social Security and Medicare, as well as military veterans, students, the disabled and the poor.  He also slammed those who pay no taxes—from retirees to some of his own wealthy patrons.

His remarks have drawn sharp criticisms even from many conservative Republican commentators.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.