Speaker Ralston Responds to Rep. Tommy Benton’s Comments about John Lewis
Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) released a statement in response to comments made by Rep. Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson) about the late Congressman John Lewis during an interview on WJJC (1270 AM) in Commerce.
From the interview, as transcribed by the AJC:
Benton: “I notice that there’s a movement to replace Alexander Stephens’ statue in Washington D.C. with that of John Lewis. I would suggest that before they do something like that, that they take a pilgrimage down to Crawfordville and visit the Alexander Stephens museum, and read all the stuff that he did do.
“Now, the other person they’re talking about replacing his statue with — I have never read of a significant piece of legislation that was passed with his name on it.”
Host: “Who is that?”
Benton: “John Lewis. His only claim to fame was that he got conked on the head at the [Edmund] Pettus bridge. And he has milked that for 50 years — or he milked it for 50 years.”
The statement by Speaker Ralston:
“I have today relieved Representative Tommy Benton from his position as Chairman of the House Retirement Committee. The comments made by Representative Benton are offensive and disgusting. These comments do not reflect the values or the views of the House Majority Caucus. I can neither condone nor ignore such hurtful remarks.
“Congressman John Lewis spent a lifetime of public service advancing equality for all. He stood with Dr. King to fight for civil rights during dangerous times for which he paid a brutal price.”
—Speaker David Ralston
About Author
lawtonsack
Lawton is a graduate of Georgia Southern University (the GSU) with a degree in Information Technology. He has held numerous positions within the Georgia Republican Party throughout the years.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I guess if Representative Benton ever has a plaque on the wall we know of at least two marks that will made. Hopefully this second one is the last that we will have to record.
Benton is not the brightest star in the sky, he’s on the bad side of Ralston for sure now.
Wasn’t this his third chance at acting properly?
Can not wait until next week to get the “Hassinger perspective” on this fine state rep
….or maybe he’ll just write this line again
“Congress was designed to represent the people of America in large part by electing people to who mostly closely reflect the views and ideas of those people.”
The Lincoln Project still has it right. Burn it to the ground.
Well, I am addressing your concerns about that article on the comments to that article separately, but as we can see from other comments even to this article- reps like Benton are not isolated incidents, and the party itself is only representative of the real underlying problems of ignorance, hatred, inertia, etc. The complaint abt Congressman Lewis’ “productivity” is not new or novel. But it ignorantly assumes that the only things that matter are things like names on major bills, bringing home pork products, etc. It is a veil of an argument, transparent in its assumptions, and hiding ugliness. Benton’s comments said all the worst parts out loud and in public. What confounds me is the hypocrisy that if you question the results of someone on your team, you’re nasty or being too negative, but all that negativity is perfect to unleash on others. If you give your rep the benefit of the doubt, try giving it to others. Challenge yourself to list Lewis’ accomplishments. Do the work, you’ll find the answers. Ask his constituents if you can, because so many can relate so many good stories. That would be a good start.
Representative Tommy Benton’s remarks were unfortunate. However, his point remains. Would the Speaker care to list any legislative accomplishment of Congressman Lewis during his 33 years of representing the 5th U S Congressional District? As an Atlantan, I am curious to hear what his service accomplished for the citizens of the 5th. It certainly wasn’t paved streets, sidewalks or infrastructure improvements. It certainly wasn’t jobs and employment opportunities for young urban youths, or funds earmarked for improvements in K-12 education. It certainly wasn’t increased veterans benefits or health care for homeless veterans or the general population.
The Speaker might explain how Representative Lewis helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as he wasn’t in Congress at those times. If Georgia wants to honor a Negro who substantially contributed to the cause of minority civil rights, here’s a few names of other Atlantans who should be memorialized in stone: Du Bois, Borders, Abernathy, Mays, and Hosea Williams. And personally, I would sooner have Dr. M. L. King Jr. represent our State in Statuary Hall , than one of his many lieutenants, all of whom deserve respect and admiration.
I respect Representative Lewis for his accomplishments as an associate of Dr. King, and as a tireless warrior for equality, and the encouragement of voting rights and registration of minority citizens as Democrats.
I believe that while Representative Benton was speaking “from the heart,” the Speaker’s comments and actions were motivated not by any deep affection for Congressman Lewis, but by pragmatic political considerations.
Ralston is a functioning politician so of course his actions were driven by practical politics.
Equally, Benton’s comments that Lewis’ career can be reduced to a 50 year old assault were offensive and politically tone deaf even though Little Aleck had his moments.
Luckily, Benton did not seem to know that the original suggestion (supported by Rep Barry Loudermilk) was to replace the statue of Stephens with one of MLK. I’m not interested in hearing Benton on King.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/georgia-congressman-supports-move-replace-confederate-statue-us-capitol-with-one-mlk/ELFTFQD33BFXLJRBCQKNDTTDXQ/