Arkansas State Rep: Slavery Was a ‘Blessing in Disguise’

Rep. John Hubbard of the Arkansas state senate believes that for blacks in America, slavery was a “blessing in disguise.” These claims are taken from his 2009 book, Letters To The Editor: Confessions Of A Frustrated Conservative, in which Hubbard identifies himself as a “true American.” Hubbard, a staunch Republican, characterized African-Americans as ignorant and lazy, and responsible for many of the country’s problems.

“The institution of slavery that the black race has long believed to be an abomination upon its people may actually have been a blessing in disguise,” Hubbard wrote. “The blacks who could endure those conditions and circumstances would someday be rewarded with citizenship in the greatest nation ever established upon the face of the Earth.”

Interestingly enough, Hubbard also lists himself as a practicing Baptist, but his racism runs throughout the pages of his books. He asserts that African-Americans are better off having been entrapped in slavery than they would have been if left in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, he blames integration for the decline of American public school systems.

“Instead of black students rising to the educational levels previously attained by white students, the white students dropped to the level of black students,” reads the book. “To make matters worse the lack of discipline and ambition of black students soon became shared by their white classmates, and our educational system has been in a steady decline ever since.”

“Wouldn’t life for blacks in America today be more enjoyable and successful if they would only learn to appreciate the value of a good education?” Hubbard adds later.

On Saturday, major Arkansas state Republican entities, including the state GOP chairman, Arkansas Republican House Caucus, and U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin each released statements condemning Hubbard’s racial views. Though the book was released three years ago, Hubbard remains in office. He is currently running for re-election against Democrat Harold Copenhaver in Arkansas.