If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that Republican elected officials will almost always do the wrong thing when it comes to racial justice. Even though the country is changing and becoming more diverse, they continue to desperately cling to the past and refuse to take any part in dismantling white supremacy. Of course, this is to be expected. With a base that is overwhelmingly white and increasingly hostile toward people of color, it is not in their interest to make the country fairer and more equal for all.
This week in Virginia, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors proved this point. They had the opportunity to vote on a resolution to rename Jefferson Davis Highway. This is a move that would have signaled a move forward from the glorification of the racist Confederacy and toward a more inclusive future. Sadly, they chose not to. And that decision was rightfully met with ire and condemnation from those who attended the meeting.
The overwhelmingly Republican Prince William County Board of Supervisor (note: this is an all-white board in a majority-minority county) last night was met with chants of “Shame! Shame! Shame!” – and for good reason, as nobody would even second a motion by Supervisor Frank Principi (D) on a resolution urging a change in the name of Jefferson Davis Highway.
The only other Democrat on the board, John D. Jenkins, also sided with the Republicans. How cowardly, especially in light of an impassioned speech from a local resident who talked about the impact of these symbols on him and the community.
from Daily Kos http://ift.tt/2xUU2ai
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