Internet splits as Elise Stefanik’s opponent Paula Collins proposes re-education camp for MAGA supporters

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Rep Elise Stefanik's Democratic opponent Paula Collins suggested supporters of former President Donald Trump's MAGA movement should be sent to a "re-education camp" after the November election, according to Fox News.

During a virtual town hall on Wednesday, June 5, Collins, a candidate running against a Trump ally in New York's 21st congressional district, made a surprising proposal. She suggested addressing the "MAGA nightmare" even if the Democrats achieve a decisive victory in the upcoming election.

"Even if we were to have a resounding blue wave come through, as many of us would like, putting it all back together again after we've gone through this MAGA nightmare and re-educating basically, which, that sounds like a rather, a re-education camp. I don't think we really want call it that," the New York Democrat said. "I'm sure we can find another way to phrase it."

Collins is running unopposed for the congressional seat in the June 25 Democratic primary.

Paula Collins suggests a need for civics education, citing misunderstanding of law

In an email to Fox News, Collins explained her controversial remarks, claiming that some current lawmakers, including Stefanik, "mis-quote or mis-understand the law." She urged the need for "widespread civics education" even if the MAGA faces a resounding defeat in the 2024 election.

The congressional hopeful further claimed that both Democrats and Republicans agreed that civics education has declined in recent years.

According to her, "the goal would be such that regular citizens could understand the process by which the state courts process matters, compared to the federal court circuit, and so forth."

"Rep Elise Stefanik does not show a good understanding of the court structure in her home state of New York," Collins added.

The Democrat also highlighted Stefanik's meltdown over Trump's trial and conviction in the New York hush money case, attributing her opponent's reaction to a "lack of basic civics education" and a lack of respect for the Empire State's Supreme Court.

Collins emphasized the importance of civics education, arguing that many voters had misunderstandings and had no respect for basic judicial systems.

Stefanik's senior advisor, Alex DeGrasse, slammed Collins' suggestion, stating many Republicans would consider it offensive. He further asserted Stefanik would defeat the Democrat by "a historc margin."

The New York Republican who assumed office in 2015 is reportedly a top contender for Trump's vice president pick.

Internet divided over Paula Collins's proposal

Collins' suggestion to send Trump supporters to re-education camps sparked a debate among netizens.

One user said, "That's a pretty extreme suggestion. Re-education camps? Sounds like something out of a dystopian novel."

While another asked, "But is she wrong?"

"Name calling and trying to intimidate is all they got. Pathetic," added a user. Whereas another labeled it a "Good idea."

Someone else wrote, "If you’re ever on the side advocating for re-education of a thing, you’re on the wrong side of said thing."

"MAGA needs to stop being a one man show. They are too Nordic Centric. They are too noninclusive," another argued.

A remark read, "Ha, when have we heard those words from past history And how did that experiment end...."

Another person added, "'A lot of people' could benefit by education regarding the US Constitution, Gov't functions of the Branches, and why America is a Constitutional Republic, not a 'democracy' per se. A Republic has democratic principles but 'Protects each Individual' or the minority From the 'Unfettered or Unrestrained Will or Prosecution of an Unfair 'Lawless or Unconstitutional' Acting in the Majority.' imlo dl-jd."  [sic]

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.