GOP Rep. Cantor Attacked For Profanity-Laced Web Video

UPDATE: Rep. Eric Cantor's spokesperson has apologized:

"I would like to apologize for a joke that was in no way an official response from Congressman Cantor, but instead an inappropriate email. I apologize to AFSCME for my inappropriate email containing an old video. Let me be clear, we know people are hurting in these trying times and House Republicans completely agree that we must pass an economic recovery bill that preserves, protects and create jobs for Americans facing these economic challenges," said Brad Dayspring.

* * * * *

As first reported by The Plum Line, Virginia Republican Eric Cantor is in hot water after his office responded to critics by sending out a profane web video.

The union AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), along with Americans United for Change, started running ads targeting Cantor for encouraging Republican opposition to the economic recovery plan. The House whip's office reacted by sending out an ad of their own (but not created by them), depicting AFSCME workers as curse-spewing bullies.

"On your way to work tomorrow, instead of sitting around with your finger up your ass, look around," the voiceover says. "There's a union out there called AFSCME and they're busting their balls doing a lot of shit work you take for granted. For example, we pick up your fucking garbage."

"We don't take shit from nobody," the voiceover finishes. "You got that, asshole? AFSCME -- the fucking union that works for you."

WATCH (Warning: Language NSFW):

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee isn't amused. "Eric Cantor may think the greatest economic crisis in seventy years is a joke, but we don't," he said in a statement. "He should talk to the people in Virginia who are losing their jobs, health care and homes."

Brad Woodhouse, President of Americans United for Change, responded more forcefully:

"Does Eric Cantor believe that peddling profanity-laced filth around the Internet is consistent with the values of the people of Virginia or the country? This is childish, inappropriate and disgusting behavior from someone who is supposed to be a leader in Congress and a role model to others. Eric Cantor's response to one of the most serious crises facing America in our lifetimes is to spread this filth, denigrate government employees and treat the current economic crisis like a joke. This video has been floating around on YouTube for years - but Eric Cantor's use of it in this context shows how completely and utterly out of touch he is with the current economic crisis and the lives of his constituents. Eric Cantor should be ashamed and he should apologize."

And AFL-CIO President John Sweeney added: "During these tough economic times the last thing hard working Americans need is to be ridiculed by a member of the Republican leadership. Rep. Cantor should apologize for insulting America's workers with this profane video."

ThinkProgress points out that Cantor himself is an anti-obscenity crusader who has said "the use of obscenity" in television "should not and cannot be tolerated."

Comments

[Janskats]

Clearly, the GOP spells "class" with an (R) instead of an "L". Why is everyone so shocked? They're just showing their true colors..and their real feelings. What a bunch of jerks. The last eight years have left an awful after-taste in our mouths!

[SouthPrairie]

8^)

[Veritas-equitas]

The republicans absolutely hate the working class and anyone else who ISN'T an ultra rich,conserative, greedy, narrow minded bigot. I really don't see a need for them. They should not be put in positions of power, they aren't competent or honest.

[giustizia]

The republicans absolutely hate the working class and anyone else who ISN'T an ultra rich, conservative, greedy, narrow minded bigot. I really don't see a need for them. They should not be put in positions of power, they aren't competent or honest.

[johnfoirdfw]

A hypocrite in Congress? You don
t say?

[CeeLee]

Cantor won't be so contrite when his Effen JOB is Gone because he thinks Republicans like him matter. This is a Typical Rush Limbaugh Republican response. Lindsay Graham, Orrin Hatch and the rest think they can OPPOSE and disrespect our New President and everyone is supposed to CONTINUE taking it. They need to be OUT OF WORK for a change. They have been perched their ivory towers too long.

[MANK]

I'm sure the Christian right , family values people will be out campaigning for him.
If there is not a mass picketing of this man, then the union has to do some reading on what people had to go thru to get unions in this country.

[labman57]

Message from Cantor to the American public:

"I've got mine. The rest of you can go f*** yourselves."

[Oonagh]

When you set out to be perfect the warts are much more evident.. What is it with these republicans... they profess to be so religious, clean church going, etc., and then they let us all see them for what they are...

[HGalal]

As quoted from above:

"Does Eric Cantor believe that peddling profanity-laced filth around the Internet is consistent with the values of the people of Virginia or the country?"

Answer: YES HE DOES

[bebrave]

Cantor, Boehner, McCain....Linday Graham....123 ok now magic wand make them go away!

[MountainPenelope]

bebrave,

I totally agree,but you left out two of my personal "favs" -- McCain and Jim DeMent!

[JAMAICAJAGUAR]

I have no use for Mr. Cantor, but that was funny.

[Topper24]

God, AFSCME shld use that for a membership drive.

[MANK]

I hope the person taking care of you when you hit the nursing home remembers how funny you thought this was. Or, perhaps the garbage piling up inside and outside your house will ge yours forever.

[yurbud]

For a contrast, consider that Albert Einstein was a union member:
http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/2009/02/einstein-was-smart-enough-to-join-union.html

[bbbtmenw]

I love the video. Only I wish Republicans listened to it. Unions help this country.

Gays should have a video for straights and religious wrongs:

-We give you makeovers so your tired @$$ will get a date.
-We cut your hair so you don't go around wearing a &%&^&^$ mullet.
-We design your house interiors so you don't have beer can art and felt paintings in your %$$ Crib.
-We wait on you and tell you what &*%*& food you should eat so you can lose that (_x_)
-We are your wife's friend, saving your marriage, 'cause your *%*& @$$ is sitting on the couch watching ^%*(&% sports all day.
-We star in movies and programs for your *^&% entertainment.

OH, and at your wedding and before:

-We designed your wife's *^%^% wedding dress she squeezed her sorry 7^& @$$ into.
-We did the flowers so you wouldn't have a room full of %(%**.
-We served and cooked the ^%^% food.
-We organized the &^*&^ reception on your cheap @%% budget.
-Our "sisters" entertained you at your ^&%&^% bachelor party.
-And what about all those times before your marriage we were there for you when you were 6-pack drunk?

And Now, you want to deny us MARRIAGE? YOU SORRY ^%$$ Mother &^(*&^(*&!!!

WHAT, are you worried we won't be there for your ^%^ the when the wife cuts you off?

You *&^%(% &^(*&^ .

[DoDaMan]

When I see Boehner I see a gay man

[Topper24]

Look in the mirror and ya will see another one.

[publanski]

Because you're standing behind him?

[bbbtmenw]

That is a bigoted remark, but I hope so and we find he has a dirty little secret he has been hiding. Need to take a little wind out of his bigoted actions.

Gays can use "that's gay". Sorry, you can't. Unless you are not telling me something? LOL

[Topper24]

"... but I hope so and we find he has a dirty little secret he has been hiding. "

Now that's bigoted.

[maumeeone]

PLEASE! The way that crybaby blubbers, WE SURE DON'T WANT HIM!!! I'm disgusted everytime I see him. If I were from Cincinnati, I'd be damned embarassed to have him represent me!

[dennissinned]

That pretty much sums up the GOP position on this crisis.