Georgia State Rep. Jason Spencer made quite a splash on Sunday night when he was featured on “Who Is America” in a segment which depicted Spencer taking anti-terrorism classes — with his butt hanging out. Spencer explains that comedian Sacha Baron Cohen “took advantage of my paralyzing fear” of terrorists attacking his family, and that’s why he exposed himself and shouted racial slurs on camera. He texted his resignation to the Washington Post:
“In 2017 I received countless death threats in connection with my introduction of legislation involving the wearing of masks. The threats escalated to the point that my wife received threatening phone calls concerning her and my children. I was very afraid for my safety and the safety of my entire family.
“Then, on June 14th, a gunman opened fire at members of Congress on a baseball field. I knew people on that field. Now, the fears I already had became more intensified as the reality of my family being targeted by a similar, deranged, would-be assassin became even more possible. I was in such a poor state of mind that my wife and I also undertook marriage counseling with a licensed therapist during this time.
“Sacha Baron Cohen and his associates took advantage of my paralyzing fear that my family would be attacked. In posing as an Israeli Agent, he pretended to offer self-defense exercises. As uncomfortable as I was to participate, I agreed to, understanding that these ‘techniques’ were meant to help me and others fend off what I believed was an inevitable attack.
“My fears were so heightened at that time, I was not thinking clearly nor could I appreciate what I was agreeing to when I participated in his ‘class.’ I was told I would be filmed as a ‘demonstration video’ to teach others the same skills in Israel. Sacha and his crew further lied to me, stating that I would be able to review and have final approval over any footage used.
“I deeply regret the language I used at his request as well as my participation in the ‘class’ in general. If I had not been so distracted by my fears, I never would have agreed to participate in the first place.
“I apologize to my family, friends, and the people of my district for this ridiculously ugly episode. Finally, there are calls for me to resign. I recently lost my primary election, so I will not eligible to hold office next term. Therefore, I will finish the remaining five months at my post and vacate my seat.”
This is not the first time Spencer has made a spectacle of himself. He threatened a black Georgia State Rep., LaDawn Jones, with violence over a disagreement about the removal of Confederate statues in a Facebook exchange.
“I cant guarantee you won’t be met with torches but something a lot more definitive.”
Later, removing any doubt, he said the people who want the statues gone “will go missing in the Okefenokee,” referring to a swamp and national wildlife refuge near his home town. “To many necks they are red around here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The entire thread (it has some profanity, harsh language and an epic “Game of Thrones” reference) was posted online by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Rep. Jones made the comment, “Winter is coming,” and indeed it is. Republicans are headed for the worst winter of their discontent in history.
