A Kansas House leader said Thursday that her intent was to criticize Planned Parenthood when she called Adolf Hitler’s words profound in a Facebook post.
“Great quote from Hitler in the video,” Speaker Pro Tem Peggy Mast, R-Emporia, the No. 3 Republican in the Kansas House, posted to her Facebook page Thursday morning. “Please listen to it closely. His words are profound! Let’s start using discernment.”
Mast, who is not seeking re-election, did not return phone calls. She did, however, take to social media to clarify her position.
She said in another Facebook post that her intent was to compare Planned Parenthood, the country’s largest reproductive health provider, to the Nazi leader and that she “was not in any way agreeing with Hitler’s words.” (Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's regnet.)
Mast’s initial post did not contain a video. An hour later, she shared a link to an article from JulieRoys.com, a Christian blog (of course). The article included a transcript and video of anti-abortion activist Gianna Jessen testifying before Congress about Planned Parenthood.
During her testimony, Jessen quoted Hitler on propaganda, contending that Planned Parenthood used techniques similar to those of the Nazis.
Mast’s perceived praise for the leader of the Third Reich, who ordered the slaughter of 6 million Jews, drew sharp criticism.
“There’s nothing profound, and there’s no room in American politics for the words or thought of Adolph Hitler,” said Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, a group that campaigns against racism and violence.
Laura McQuade, president of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, the provider’s political organization, said in an e-mail that Planned Parenthood “is a trusted health care provider for thousands of Kansans and we reject and condemn Representative Peggy Mast’s offensive remarks.” Cont.
Story from - The Wichita Eagle
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