SCDems News
SCDP Chair Defends Clyburn's Hire of Rickenbaker
May 20, 2008
Columbia, SC- South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement in response to SCGOP Chair Katon Dawson's criticism of Congressman James E. Clyburn's hire of John Rickenbaker.
"It appears that the Republic Party chairman believes a person who has made a mistake and been punished shouldn't be allowed another opportunity to be a productive citizen. Katon Dawson might want to take a deep breath and think about what would happen if no one who has been in prison were ever given a job upon being released," said Fowler.
"Mr. Dawson's criticism of Congressman Clyburn's decision to hire John Rickenbaker, who has served his time and paid restitution for what he did, demonstrates an arrogant disregard for the scriptural principle of forgiveness. Congressman Clyburn, along with a cross-section of Republicans and Democrats in the US House and Senate, worked to pass the Second Chance Act that was recently signed by President Bush. That legislation supports exactly the kind of thing that Congressman Clyburn did-allowing someone who has paid the price for his or her mistake to become a contributing member of society again.
Katon Dawson might want to reflect on the example set by Chuck Colson and Oliver North in turning their lives around. He should have the same compassion for John Rickenbaker that President Bush had for Scooter Libby."
