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Last Wednesday Senator Ted Cruz referred to the tragic events of January 6, 2021 as a “violent terrorist attack.” Criticism against the Republican congressman from Texas arrived soon. The issue is controversial and important in terms of language because for a year the left has used the word “terrorist” to condemn anyone who opposes their ideas. However, the senator has spoken out on the matter pointing out that he was wrong to use that word.
“We are approaching a solemn anniversary this week. And it is an anniversary of a violent terrorist attack on the Capitol, where we saw the men and women of law enforcement demonstrate incredible courage, incredible bravery — risk their lives for the Capitol,” were the senator’s words.
On his social networks, Cruz stated, “I used a dumb choice of words and unfortunately a lot of people are misunderstanding what I meant.”
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Cruz called his statements “sloppy” and “frankly dumb.” He explained that he didn’t intend to call all Trump supporters “terrorists” or all patriots “terrorists” —as the left does— but rather, that his comment was specifically aimed at those who attacked police officers on January 6.
Although Tucker pointed out several times that in legal terms it makes no sense to call anyone who attacks a police officer a “terrorist,” the senator explained that he has always referred to those who violently attack police officers that way.
Cruz ended his Fox interview by saying, “I agree it was a mistake to use the word yesterday, because the Democrats and the corporate media have so politicized it. They’re trying to paint everyone as a terrorist, and it’s a lie … They want to paint us as Nazis … I’m the one leading the fight in the Senate against this garbage.”
Ted Cruz has made a name for himself throughout his successful political career in which he has shown himself to fight the radical left with strength and conviction. His statements on January 6 were undoubtedly unfortunate, but we should credit him for being quick to retract them and explain what he meant. Perhaps it is time to stop criticizing the Republican congressman, after all, we have all messed up at some point.
Vanessa Vallejo. Co-editor-in-chief of El American. Economist. Podcaster. Political and economic analysis of America. Colombian exile in the United States // Vanessa Vallejo. Co-editora en jefe de El American. Economista. Podcaster. Análisis político y económico de América. Colombiana exiliada en EE. UU.
I’m pretty sure he used the same phrase last year too.