Ivan Marte, "The GOP does not open the door to minority groups"

 

By Karen Lee Ziner

Journal staff writer

 

CRANSTON, R.I -- Ivan G. Marte, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Hispanic Assembly, says he has quit the GOP out of embarrassment at South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's address to Congress last week.

 

Wilson shouted 'You Lie,' when Obama remarked that illegal immigrants would not receive benefits under his health care plan.

 

"I do not want to continue being a member of a party in which the members of the party express themselves in that way," said Marte, 59, of Cranston. In a phone interview, he called Wilson's behavior "shameful" and "uncivilized."

 

But Marte said Wilson's outburst was the last straw in a series of disappointments that led him to break with his party.

 

Marte became "disenchanted" with Governor Carcieri after the Republican governor sought his advice -- and then ignored it, Marte said -- concerning the 2008 executive order cracking down on illegal immigration. Carcieri's order angered many in the Hispanic community.

 

Marte suggested Carcieri visit Hispanic families in their homes; meet with Hispanic community leaders, and answer questions on Hispanic talk radio. "I think once I left the office, they must have thrown it [his suggestions] in the garbage," Marte said. "I haven't heard back."

 

He also said in the interview that the GOP "does not open the door to minority groups," and needs "to adapt" to a changing society.

 

source: politicsblog.projo.com/2009/09/chairman-of-sta.html

 

Draw your own conclusion.

Done