Democrat Lawmaker Compares Republican Criticism of Al Green’s Outburst to Jim Crow Racism

Democrat Lawmaker Compares Republican Criticism of Al Green’s Outburst to Jim Crow Racism

Rep. Lateefah Simon, a Democrat from California, has sparked controversy by likening the backlash against Texas Rep. Al Green’s recent outburst during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress to the racist actions of the Jim Crow era.

During Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, which took place on Tuesday, Green interrupted the President by shouting that he lacks a mandate. As he vocally challenged Trump, he waved his walking cane in a dramatic display, while Republican members rose to chant ‘USA! USA!’ in an effort to drown him out.

Despite being escorted out of the chamber by the sergeants-at-arms for his disruptive behavior, Green has since reiterated his sentiments regarding the president. In his defense, Green stated, ‘It is the best way to get that across to a person who uses his incivility, who uses his incivility against our civility.’ He emphasized that Trump consistently demonstrates incivility toward those who uphold civility.

Simon, who chose to walk out during Trump’s address, later provided an official response on behalf of the Working Families Party. In her speech, she voiced strong criticism of the Republican Party, expressing her deep concern over the political climate.

Conditions in the Chamber Reflecting Past Inequalities

Simon warned her colleagues about the potential regression towards a 1950s America. She remarked, ‘I want to be very clear about that. For those of us who have parents, aunts and uncles, and communities that are still alive, who remembered what a Jim Crow America looks like, tonight in the chamber you could look easily to your right and see essentially a monolithic group of folks who look just like one another.’ She continued, ‘Then you went to the left side and saw what America truly looks like—a beautiful tapestry of all of us who pray differently, who look differently, and who come from four corners of the globe to make this country what it is. We know what we all deserve.’

Condemnation of Disrespect

During her remarks, Simon did not shy away from condemning Green’s critics. She argued that their behavior exemplified what she termed ‘racist yelling,’ reminiscent of some of the most embarrassing moments in American history. ‘As a new member of Congress, I was shocked at what seemed like blatant disrespect for the House, and it wasn’t coming from Rep. Green. It was coming from the men behind him on the right side who were telling him and yelling, ‘Sit down!’ It felt like I was watching something in a history class of racist yelling at an elderly Black man challenging the President of the United States not to cut medical care for the sick,’ Simon asserted.

Looking Towards the Future

In a passionate call to action, Simon posed a profound question: ‘What have we become?’ She emphasized the urgency for her constituents and fellow lawmakers to organize and enroll individuals in continuous medical care. She highlighted the importance of maintaining protections offered by Medicare, MediCal, and Medicaid, stating, ‘We can’t lose those things. But again, 2026 is too far ahead, folks. We got to get on the ground. We got to get proximate. And I believe that that’s what we will do.’

As debates continue to ignite around issues of race, civility in politics, and healthcare, Simon’s comments resonate deeply within the broader context of contemporary American society. Her comparison of current political discourse to historical injustices serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and respect.