Rep.: Protesters 'hate white people'

I had an experience in North Carolina when I visited there several years ago now. In California  where I live white and black people can actually talk to each other as equals. However, I realized this wasn't the case in North Carolina when I saw a Black man in distress and Offered help and he just  glared at me in anger. I realized (I wasn't in Kansas"or California" anymore). So, I backed off and  walked away sort of in disbelief. So, the culture between white and black people likely has never  been perfect since before the Civil war in North Carolina there. Because I couldn't believe the reaction  I got just offering the man my help as Californians would offer help to each other. So, I'm thinking this animosity between blacks and whites there likely goes deep.     begin quote from: Rep.: Protesters 'hate white people'

North Carolina congressman: Protesters 'hate white people'

By Daniella Diaz, CNN

Updated 9:03 PM ET, Thu September 22, 2016

Source: CNN

After unrest, Charlotte braces for a third night 02:53

Story highlights

• "They hate white people, because white people are successful and they're not," Pittenger said
• He later issued an apology over the remarks

Washington (CNN)A congressman who represents North Carolina apologized Thursday for saying there are riots in Charlotte because the protesters "hate white people."

"The grievance in their mind is that the animus, the anger -- they hate white people, because white people are successful and they're not," Rep. Robert Pittenger, a Republican, said on the BBC's "Newsnight." "I mean, yes, it is, it is a welfare state. We have spent trillions of dollars on welfare, where we put people in bondage so that they cannot be all that they're capable of being."

Pittenger, who has represented North Carolina's ninth congressional district since 2013, emphasized that people come to the United States for opportunities, not government handouts.

Obama: Violent protests won't solve policing issues

"America is a country of opportunity and freedom and liberty," he said. "It didn't become that way because of a great government who provided everything for everyone, no."

Pittenger's office later released a statement apologizing for comments, saying he didn't mean to offend anyone.

"What is taking place in my hometown right now breaks my heart. My anguish led me to respond to a reporter's question in a way that I regret," he said in the statement. "The answer doesn't reflect who I am. I was quoting statements made by angry protesters last night on national TV. My intent was to discuss the lack of economic mobility for African-Americans because of failed policies. I apologize to those I offended and hope we can bring peace and calm to Charlotte."

On Tuesday in Charlotte, Keith Lamont Scott, an African-American, was shot by a police officer after refusing repeated demands to put down what authorities said was a gun.

Riots and protests in the city began that night and continued on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

President Barack Obama weighed in on the unrest Thursday, saying that the anger should be directed toward pushing needed reforms.