An excerpt of O’Rourke’s statements to supporters regarding this matter reads as follows:
“We force lower-income working Americans to drive one, two, three hours in either direction to get to their jobs, very often minimum wage jobs. They’re working two or three of them right now. Rich people are going to have to allow, or be forced to allow, lower-income people to live near them.”
Living close to work shouldn't be a luxury for the rich. It's a right for everyone. pic.twitter.com/lohRdoFGrH
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) September 10, 2019
Reactions to O’Rourke’s Statements
Since O’Rourke’s commentary, conservative Americans have responded with criticism. Many questioned the basis behind O’Rourke’s assetion that individuals have a “right” to live closely to their places of employment. Furthermore, the notion of “forcing” rich people to ensure that low income individuals live near their jobs is problematic in the eyes of many right-wingers.
