New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made quite a name for herself across the nation. Known more commonly as ‘AOC,’ the freshman representative has rubbed many people the wrong way. Her most recent hostile comment came on the heels of the tragic mass shooting that took place in two New Zealand mosques.
“At first I thought of saying, ‘Imagine being told your house of faith isn’t safe anymore.’ But I couldn’t say ‘imagine.’ Because of Charleston, Pittsburgh, Sutherland Springs,” she said. “What good are your thoughts and prayers when they don’t even keep the pews safe?”
AOC’s comments started a firestorm. After all, the heartbreaking events that took the lives of dozens of people was not one that should have been used to almost “mock” the act of prayer. It was in poor taste to be sure, but far from the only such gaffe she has made.
Many people took the opportunity to address the comments and let the congresswoman know what they thought of her latest tweet.
“Just wow. Incredible nasty thing to say after a tragedy,” one Twitter user replied. “Even if you don’t believe in prayers, don’t judge another because they do. Aren’t we supposed to love an accept everything for what they believe and who they are??”
Another person called Ocasio-Cortez’s comment an “awful take” and went on to add it’s “really not the time to belittle people of faith.”
Public figures have also weighed in on her controversial annotations. One especially profound response came from Dana Loesch, the spokeswoman of the National Rifle Association.
“Pretty sure thoughts and prayers isn’t anyone’s phrase, and prayer especially (which you mocked earlier after what happened in a house of prayer?) is a real action, a petition to, a conversation with, God—in these cases, to request protection, comfort for those suffering,” Loesch replied.
Liz Wheeler, a host for One America News, was happy to jump in.
“Our thoughts and prayers do matter,” she said. “No, prayers won’t bring back loved ones, but prayers bring comfort, respite and God’s grace to those who mourn. Anyone who’s lost a loved one to tragic death, murder, or terror knows prayers matter.”
Not surprisingly, AOC’s public approval is plummeting according to a recent Gallop poll. The following is a breakdown of the recent numbers:
- Some 41% of all American adults currently have an unfavorable view of Ocasio-Cortez. This number increased from 26% in a September survey taken before AOC was elected. Another 31% of adults have a favorable opinion of AOC, which has also went up, although less of an increase.
- As of last September, only 50% of those surveyed said they knew who AOC was or had heard anything about her. The newly released poll showed that number had dropped to 29%, which shows that AOC has been making headlines, perhaps for all the wrong reasons.
- Ocasio-Cortez, who is a self-described socialist, has a -68% favorability rating among Republicans. Among fellow democrats, she only holds 41%. These numbers show that Ocasio-Cortez has caused controversy and ruffled feathers in both the major parties. Her opinions and forthright, almost belligerent, comments on the environment and gun control along with her involvement in forcing Amazon to reconsider their planned office in New York City has made the congresswoman more enemies than friends.
- AOC’s notoriety has grown quickly, evidenced by the fact that her favorability ratings are similar to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s. Schumer has served in Congress since 1981. Conversely, AOC has only been in office for around three months.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez might be more well-known now than she was just two months prior when she become a freshman congresswoman. However, her overall standing with American citizens seems to be on the decline, even has her prominence is increasing.
~ Liberty Planet
