In the wake of Barack Obama’s historic election as the first Black president of the United States, I never imagined I would be compelled to write about the resurgence of white supremacy almost a decade later. In retrospect, perhaps I should have anticipated this backlash. Yet, the idealism of the time clouded my judgment.
The backlash against racial progress in America is as ingrained in our culture as the tradition of apple pie. The formation of the Ku Klux Klan occurred after the end of slavery, and the mass incarceration of Black men began following the enactment of the Civil Rights Act. The entrenched system of white supremacy resists any challenge to its established order.
Fast forward to 2018, and we are facing a disturbing reality: actual white supremacists are vying for political office. I’m not referring to individuals with implicit biases who may be unaware of their own prejudices. I’m talking about individuals who openly proclaim beliefs such as “white race > all other races” and “the Holocaust is a hoax.”
Typically, I limit my political discussions to specific issues rather than individual candidates. I believe that partisan politics significantly contribute to the divisions in our country, often allowing unqualified or problematic figures from both sides to attain positions of influence. However, some matters should be universally unacceptable, irrespective of party affiliation. The candidacy of an avowed white supremacist is one of those issues that should alarm every American who values democracy and equality.
If you doubt the possibility of such candidates gaining power, consider David Duke’s election to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1989. Complacency is not an option. Stay vigilant.
Here are some of the individuals with white supremacist ideologies currently seeking office:
Jordan Blake – Candidate for the Montana State House of Representatives
Despite the confusion surrounding his party affiliation—having previously run as a Republican and now suggesting a Democratic platform—Blake has a troubling history of attempting to recruit minorities into extremist groups. While he claims to support LGBTQ rights now, his platform contains disturbing assertions, such as calling for the recognition of “European Americans” as a protected class under the law.
Michael Thompson – Congressional Candidate in Pennsylvania
Thompson’s candidacy is marked by alarming rhetoric about white people becoming a minority in America and unfounded claims about Black Lives Matter. His past as a candidate for the white nationalist American Freedom Party raises serious concerns about his suitability for public office.
Samuel Reed – Running for Congress in Illinois
A self-identified neo-Nazi, Reed has made shocking statements about the Holocaust, labeling it a “hoax.” Remarkably, he is running unopposed in the Republican primary for a district that includes parts of Chicago. Although he has failed in previous attempts, he will appear on the ballot in the upcoming election.
Daniel Hart – Candidate for Congress in Wisconsin
With endorsements from notorious white supremacist David Duke, Hart’s platform is steeped in racist ideology. His appearance on Duke’s podcast and refusal to reject white nationalist labels suggest a troubling alignment with extremist views.
In addition to these individuals, there are others like Gary Holt of Arizona and Richard Blake of Florida, who have demonstrated connections to white nationalist groups. These candidates often refuse to denounce hate groups or promote policies that are overtly discriminatory.
It’s imperative to reject candidates who openly espouse white supremacist beliefs. Inform your friends and family about the dangers of voting for individuals who prioritize racist ideologies over the welfare of the community. We cannot allow ourselves to regress after the progress we have made.
For further information on reproductive health and home insemination, consider visiting this excellent resource from the CDC. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, check out this informative post as well as this authority on artificial insemination for valuable insights.
In summary, it is crucial to remain vigilant against the rise of white supremacy in political candidacies. Rejecting candidates who espouse these dangerous beliefs is essential for maintaining the values of equality and justice in our society.