Darrell S. Freeman, The Tennessean
- As a member of the Republican Party, I refuse to remain silent on the recurring instances of hatred and divisiveness that have arisen from other Republicans. Why does my party continue to tolerate racial insensitivity that does nothing but alienate minorities?
The election of our first African-American president should have inspired all citizens, regardless of political party affiliation, to celebrate the ideals on which America was built: With hard work and opportunity, anyone can fulfill his or her dream.
Instead, we’ve seen appalling and highly offensive mockeries of the president emerge from members of the Republican Party. Most recently, a Tennessee Republican state senator’s aide circulated an e-mail depiction of our president as a spook. This insult joins a list of other blunders, such as a GOP official distributing the song “Barack the Magic Negro” to his colleagues. Where is the accountability? Where is the shame?
