Senator Tries To Inspire Homeless By Invoking Hitler
Republican state senator Frank Niceley bizarrely brought up Hitler in a speech. CBS Tennessee.
Plenty of historical figures can be used to inspire people. One thing you never want to do is cite Hitler when you’re trying to provide a positive example.
Yet, a Republican state senator from Tennessee thought doing so would inspire the homeless to find permanent shelter. Frank Niceley was arguing in favour of a bill that would threaten felony penalties against those who camp on public property.
Nicely said he was going to provide a “history lesson” before mentioning how Hitler was once homeless.
“In 1910, Hitler decided to live on the streets for a while,” he said. “So for two years, Hitler lived on the streets and practised his oratory and his body language and how to connect with the masses, and then went on to lead a life that got him into history books.”
Yikes.
At least he clarified a bit.
“They can come out of this, these homeless camps and have a productive life, or in Hitler’s case, a very unproductive life,” Nicely said.
State representative Gloria Johnson, a Democrat, tweeted a video of his comments, adding she would “have to apologize to the universe for this guy.”
The legislation is threatening felony penalties against homeless people who camp on local public property and misdemeanors for camping around highways. The felony is punishable by up to six years in prison.
cbsnews.com
Republican state senator Frank Niceley bizarrely brought up Hitler in a speech. CBS Tennessee.
Plenty of historical figures can be used to inspire people. One thing you never want to do is cite Hitler when you’re trying to provide a positive example.
Yet, a Republican state senator from Tennessee thought doing so would inspire the homeless to find permanent shelter. Frank Niceley was arguing in favour of a bill that would threaten felony penalties against those who camp on public property.
Nicely said he was going to provide a “history lesson” before mentioning how Hitler was once homeless.
“In 1910, Hitler decided to live on the streets for a while,” he said. “So for two years, Hitler lived on the streets and practised his oratory and his body language and how to connect with the masses, and then went on to lead a life that got him into history books.”
Yikes.
At least he clarified a bit.
“They can come out of this, these homeless camps and have a productive life, or in Hitler’s case, a very unproductive life,” Nicely said.
State representative Gloria Johnson, a Democrat, tweeted a video of his comments, adding she would “have to apologize to the universe for this guy.”
The legislation is threatening felony penalties against homeless people who camp on local public property and misdemeanors for camping around highways. The felony is punishable by up to six years in prison.
Tennessee lawmakers close to passing bill that threatens felony penalties against homeless people who camp on public property
Felony convictions in Tennessee result in the revocation of an individual's right to vote.
cbsnews.com