Calif. Councilman Who Called the Military 'Dumbsh*ts,' 'Lowest of Our Low' Refusing to Resign

Nick Kangadis | February 16, 2018
DONATE
Font Size

While I don’t usually advocate for people losing their jobs because of something they said, it’s hard to stay in that job when the people who put you in the position you’re in don’t respect you anymore. What’s the point of keeping the job when no one wants to take you seriously?

You might remember high school teacher and Pico Rivera City Council [Calif.] member Gregory Salcido from a story last month in which he was caught on video by a student disparaging the great men and women of the U.S. military.

Salcido had observed a student wearing a Marine Corps sweatshirt and decided that it was the perfect opportunity to call member of the military “dumbshits” and the “lowest of our low.”

Apparently, Salcido just doesn’t get it, because at a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, Salcido refused to resign his post despite many members of the community — and even other members of the City Council — calling for Salcido’s resignation.

"He's disgraced us, disgraced this city, disgraced this nation," said Councilman and veteran Bob Archuleta.

“I'm shaking right now because I'm pissed off and angry," said Irvine resident Eric Martinez. ”I just thank God that I can refrain from jumping over this podium to get you.”

Salcido responded by saying that he’s received death threats as a result of his comments.

“And for what? For what you expressed out here tonight? That said, the first thing that I think is important here is to apologize if it means something though,” Salcido told those at the meeting.

Here’s a pro-tip for Salcido: If you insult the people that protect your rights to say ignorant garbage, then maybe you should lead off with a true apology. This roundabout apology from Salcido just doesn’t fly.

Salcido continued with these comments, according to the LA Times:

"I don't think it's all a revelation to anybody that those who aren't stellar students usually find the military a better option ... that's not a criticism of anybody. Anything I said had nothing to do with their moral character," he said.

He told reporters during a break in the meeting that "this is probably the most exaggerated situation I've ever seen," and he said he apologizes if he offended anyone.

"I do believe the military is not the best option for my students.… That does not mean I'm anti-military, because I'm not," he said.

So after Salcido’s half-assed apology, he thought it would be a good idea and double down on his comments. He’s actually still saying — in a more flowery way — that members of the military are usually the stupid students, but it’s okay for him to say that because he didn’t insult their “moral character.”

No, instead he just insulted members of our military’s intelligence — again! His claim that “military isn’t the best option” for his students makes Salcido look even dumber than the people he says lack intelligence. The student who recorded Salcido reportedly wants to go into the military because he comes from a military family.

Salcido might want to brush up on his indoctrination skills, because it was one of his own students that revealed him for who he really is.

For video of this story, watch below:

donate