RFK Jr. counters Democrat criticism during Weaponization Hearing.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fights Back Against Democratic Attacks
During a July 20 hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responded to relentless attacks from Democrats.
The hearing focused on federal government censorship of certain stories and viewpoints, with Mr. Kennedy serving as the star witness. As an advocate for enhanced vaccine safety screening and research into the effects of pharmaceutical drugs, he faced attempts to deplatform him by Democrats.
Despite calls to cancel the hearing due to controversial remarks made by Mr. Kennedy, claiming that the COVID-19 virus affected different racial groups unequally, Chairman Jim Jordan and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy rejected these demands. They emphasized that the purpose of the hearing was to address censorship, not to silence voices.
However, Democrats on the panel continued their attacks on Mr. Kennedy throughout the hearing, attempting to limit his speaking time and even end the hearing altogether.
Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett Accuses Mr. Kennedy of Spreading Conspiracy Theories
Ranking member Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) (R) debates with Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) (L) during a hearing before the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government of the House Judiciary Committee at Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 18, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett accused the Republican majority of providing a platform for conspiracy theories and argued that free speech is not absolute.
She claimed that the hearing was diverting attention from important economic issues like inflation.
When Mr. Kennedy began his opening remarks, Ms. Plaskett attempted to limit his speaking time. After a heated exchange, his time was reduced to the standard five minutes.
“If you want to cut him off and censor him some more, you’re welcome to do it,” Mr. Jordan said, adhering to standard procedure.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Kennedy agreed that addressing issues directly impacting the American people, such as rising grocery prices, the war in Ukraine, inflation, and border issues, was crucial. However, he emphasized that this couldn’t be achieved without the First Amendment and open debate.
To illustrate his point, he mentioned his removal from YouTube after a speech where he discussed these issues. Despite not mentioning vaccines or any forbidden subjects, he was “deplatformed” within five minutes.
“Debate—congenial, respectful debate—is the fertilizer, it’s the water, it’s the sunlight for our democracy,” Mr. Kennedy passionately stated.
He also highlighted a letter signed by fellow Democrats calling for the cancellation of his appearance before Congress, stating that it was evidence of the very problem the hearing aimed to address. He described it as an attempt to censor a censorship hearing.
Mr. Kennedy concluded by referencing his late father, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and how censorship would have appalled him.
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