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April 1, 2013

Rep. Don Young Apologizes for "Wetback" Comment 
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Republican Rep. Don Young has apologized after he was recorded calling
migrant workers "wetbacks." Young made the comment during a radio
interview in his home state of Alaska.

Rep. Don Young: "My father had a ranch. We used to hire 50 to 60
wetbacks and — to pick tomatoes. You know, it takes two people to
pick the same tomatoes now. It's all done by machine."

House Speaker John Boehner admonished Young for the comment on Friday,
calling his words "offensive and beneath the dignity of the office." In
his initial apology, Young said he was unaware the term is considered
offensive.

 

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