FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2024
This weekend, our community was rocked by a shocking display of hatred: a group of neo-Nazis waving swastika flags and bearing banners with white nationalist slogans on the Mason Road overpass above Highway 40/I-64.
These bigots hid behind black masks. Others have hidden under white hoods. But this same bigotry wears other disguises as well. White supremacy, white nationalism, Christian nationalism, and xenophobia are all the same abhorrent beliefs under slightly different masks.
As a native of Town and Country, I was not surprised to see our neighbors stand up and denounce this action. The antidote to this hatred is unity, and we are unified against hate. Just this morning, a diverse group of neighbors rallied for peace and inclusion on the same spot where the hateful demonstration occurred on Saturday. But we must demand our elected officials do the same. While they pay lip service to unity, it's important to walk the walk.
The seeds of the hatred that occupied Mason Road on Saturday are on full display in the political sphere. Sen. Josh Hawley openly described himself as a Christian Nationalist. And extremists in our State Legislature are pushing an agenda that dehumanizes our neighbors.
Even my opponent—a descendent of immigrants who fled Nazis and found asylum on our shores—has traveled out of state to support a hate group and attend speeches by a federal civil rights violator and others. He is modeling his governing philosophy after those who trample on the human rights of people who seek similar protections to those from which his family benefited.
In order to effectively reject the masked men on the overpass we must denounce their brethren in office. Any official who uses their power to dehumanize or hold others down–or who is actively engaged in limiting or removing our personal rights and freedoms is expressing a degree of this loathsome worldview. We build unity by bolstering our neighbors–not cutting them down, mandating their life decisions, stealing their rights and dignity.
This transcends party. And now is the time to demand that from our leaders and legislators.
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