Chair’s Message – 3-18-21

I honestly don’t know where to start or what to say. The recent attack on members of the Asian-American community in Atlanta is another very sad reminder of how far we have to go to create a world of respect for each other and appreciation for the unique characteristics that make up our fellow human beings.

It seemed in 2008 that we were actually starting to make some headway in that regard and then the outrage of 2016 happened. I have never been more appalled to see the miserably horrible attitudes and demeanor of the former occupant of the White House become the public face of our country. The last four years set us back years, if not decades, in how we view and treat the non-white people residing in our country.

It is bad enough that fascism has claimed a public place in our society but it is outrageous that it has taken hold of the other major political party. There has been an exodus of “classical conservatives” such as George Will, David Brooks and Chris Vance (former Republican state chair) from the other party in protest of what their former party has become. The cult of personality has come to rule them and their individual has nothing to offer except hate, misogyny, racism et al and outspoken support for all the tenets of white supremacy.

I am so glad that our party is going in the opposite direction. Our E-Board is currently starting down the path of a strategic plan that we hope will address the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. I will discuss that at another time because I do not want detract from the horrendous event that happened earlier this week. 

The families of Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park and Hyeon Jeong Park have suffered a major loss. Dealing with death is always hard but when it comes under such circumstances it can seem totally incomprehensible. I hope that they are able to find some comfort in the national condemnation of such a horrific act and support from their families and friends. From my Jewish faith, I say to them, may the memory of their loved ones be for a blessing,

Val

Chair, 23rd LD Dems