Not one full week after the horrific shooting in Charleston, Wisconsin Democratic State Rep. David Bowen (Milwaukee) issued a statement Tuesday blaming conservative policy and Fox News for creating an “atmosphere of hatred for people of color in this country.”

“Once we are honest about how much of the Charleston killer’s rhetoric is reflected in conservative policy and conservative Fox News talking points, then we can move forward to ensure we all are willing to stand up to hate that kills black people praying in a church,” said Bowen.

Bowen cites FoodShare reforms, Voter ID, and the use of terms “thugs” and “Food Stamp President” as examples of policy and rhetoric that is contributing to an atmosphere of hatred and oppression.

“When conservatives in the media refer to our nation’s first black President Barack Obama, as the “Food Stamp President” and politicians treat FoodShare recipients like they’re drug addicts trying to game the system, it reaffirms the idea that black people are lazy but slick,” said Bowen.

“When unarmed black residents are treated differently than their white counterparts by law enforcement–and many times killed—and politicians seeking to be tough on crime are arresting protestors calling for change, it reaffirms the idea that black people are ‘lawless’ and ‘thugs.’

“When they tell stories of people being driven up from Chicago by the busload to vote in our elections in order to pass unnecessary voter ID legislation to make it harder to vote, it reaffirms the idea that black people are stealing the country away from law-abiding white people.

“And when the leaders of our state blame Milwaukee for Wisconsin’s budget problems and call it a drain on the rest of the state, it reaffirms the idea that black people are not just a burden to our state but to the larger narrative that black people are destroying this country. ”

Bowen is calling for a “hard look” at conservative policies and rhetoric in the wake of the Charleston shooting, suggesting they oppress and devalue African Americans.

Rep. David Bowen represents the 10th Assembly District and is serving his first term in the state legislature.