Recently, there have been suggestions that St. Joseph candidates are extremists, are connected to national groups, are seeking support of people that share their “religion,” skin color, or socio-economic status, are running circus theatrics, have a history of sowing distrust and division in their communities by spreading conspiracy theories and inaccurate information. All these accusations are void of any proof or facts.
It was written that "...We have all seen in recent years how racism, fear, and disinformation divides communities, creates fear, and feels menacing. Some have used these as a tactic to divide us, and it's not just national figures…"
Again, this was offered with no proof, even after it was asked for.
Is the idea to just throw out a bunch of lies and see what sticks? To gain a few votes? To make future candidates afraid to run for office against long time incumbents? To make conservatives tuck tail and hide? To me, this comes as no surprise. I have watched this happen for years. I try to warn upcoming candidates that this is a tactic that will be used against them, no one really believes it will happen, but every year inevitably it does. It is no surprise to me any longer, but that doesn't make it any less wrong, nor does it take away the shock it puts the accused in.
One of the accused shared her sentiments about the above statement.
“I am the daughter of immigrant parents, how/why would they think that I would use racism to campaign in a public forum? If I thought that our local party intentionally used hearsay/false accusations as an opportunity against an opposing candidate like that in a newsletter, I would be extremely disappointed and would want nothing to do with it.”
Another is used to this sort of attack. It seems that when you are over the target, you become a target. Another said, “I stand in truth” and wants to run on merit and not join in the mudslinging.
I stand with these ladies, and all candidates who seek office and wish to run on their merit alone.
If you wish to look into these strong women who continue to endure and yet remain standing, I'd encourage you to do so.
(1) comment
I commend the journalist who printed my letter, I really didn’t think it would be printed at all. I understand the need to cut down letters to keep them at a particular length, and the need to do so from the journalists end. If of interest to anyone, I will share my originally submitted piece below.
Recent letters to the editor have been hypocritical, void of facts, and full of slander.
Recently, there have been suggestions that St Joseph candidates are extremists, are connected to national groups, are seeking support of people that share their “religion,” skin color, or socio-economic status, are running circus theatrics, have a history of sowing distrust and division in their communities by spreading conspiracy theories and inaccurate information. All these accusations are void of any proof or facts.
In another communication by the same people, it was written that "...We have all seen in recent years how racism, fear, and disinformation divides communities, creates fear, and feels menacing. Some have used these as a tactic to divide us, and it's not just national figures. Recently in St. Joseph Township, some candidates for office have used racial tropes to sow fear. At a recent candidates' gathering at Big Guy's Barbeque in North Hudson, some candidates used a racist lie about immigrants settling in Houlton by referring to the possibility of a "Somali Village". Racist tropes like this are used to promote fear of strangers and create a feeling of menace and danger. This kind of lie can, ironically, draw a group of people together in their fear of others - especially people they don't know. This kind of talk is the beginning of a spiral of fear and hatred that divides communities and puts barriers between people. It needs to stop...."
Again, this was offered with no proof, even after it was asked for.
Is the idea to just throw out a bunch of lies and see what sticks? To gain a few votes? To make future candidates afraid to run for office against long time incumbents? To make conservatives tuck tail and hide? To me, this comes as no surprise. I have watched this happen for years. I try to warn upcoming candidates that this is a tactic that will be used against them, no one really believes it will happen, but every year inevitably it does. It is no surprise to me any longer, but that doesn't make it any less wrong, nor does it take away the shock it puts the accused in.
One of the accused shared her sentiments about the above statement “I am the daughter of immigrant parents, how/why would they think that I would use racism to campaign in a public forum? If I thought that our local party intentionally used hearsay/false accusations as an opportunity against an opposing candidate like that in a newsletter, I would be extremely disappointed and would want nothing to do with it.” Another is used to this sort of attack. It seems that when you are over the target, you become a target. Another said, “I stand in truth” and wants to run on merit and not join in the mudslinging.
I stand with these ladies, and ALL candidates who seek office and wish to run on their merit alone.
If you wish to look into these strong women who continue to endure and yet remain standing, I'd encourage you to do so.
www.darlameyersforchair.com, www.swansonforsupervisor2.com, www.sykoraforsupervisor4.com
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