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Bonner remark raises eyebrows
Monday, March 28, 2005
Editor's note: "The Political Skinny" is an inside look at Alabama politics prepared by the staff of the Mobile Register. The column is compiled by Political Editor Jim Van Anglen, who can be reached at :jvananglen@mobileregister.com or 251-219-5608.

During "town hall" meetings in Baldwin County last week, U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, most likely expected tough questions about President Bush's Social Security proposal.

But the congressman probably did not anticipate that several constituents at his stop in Gulf Shores would spend much of the hour-long meeting criticizing his support of the Iraq war.

To make his case, Bonner recounted his experience traveling to Iraq and hearing horror stories about Saddam Hussein. The congressman also visited the dictator's torture chambers. He said that although some of the reasons for invading Iraq may have turned out to be off-base, the end result -- Iraq's first free elections -- made the endeavor worthwhile.

None of this satisfied the critics, who said the war was a waste of lives and money. Bonner then said: "The great thing about this country is if you don't like it, you can leave."

That comment drew gasps from the audience, some from those who had told the congressman they agreed with his position on Iraq.

One woman asked, "Excuse me?"

Bonner quickly redacted his remark, saying that he meant no offense, nor that his anti-war constituents in south Baldwin County should pack their bags. It was intended to mean that citizens in a democracy have options not open to those under totalitarian rule, Bonner said.

"My point was not to offend anybody," he said. "My point was that if we don't like something, we can change it peacefully."

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I think the "America: Love it or Get the Hell out" will be a marvelous campaign slogan for Congressman Bonner. It's catchy. Don't ya think? Bonner was re-elected with 63% of the vote last cycle, wouldn't it be sweet if we knocked him off?