Actions speak louder than words.
This weekend we watched in horror as white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, waving nazi symbols, chanting hateful nazi slogans, and committing violent acts of terrorism. Their hatred and their violence should be condemned, and has no place in our country. But those words aren’t enough.
It’s not enough when Governor Reynolds and Senators Grassley and Ernst make statements of condemnation (David Young and Rod Blum have done so as well). They should condemn President Trump for continually fanning the flames of hatred, from his lead role in the birther movement, to statements he made during the campaign, refusing to denounce former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and even having advisers with ties to hate groups.
Reynolds, Grassley, Ernst, Young, Blum, and King should condemn the President they helped put in office for his role in emboldening white supremacists. It’s politically easy to condemn nazis — it would show true political courage if they called out the President of their own party. And they should use their elected office to bring about real, meaningful change. Here are just a few of the many ways they could move forward, and policies we should all call on them to enact:
Investigate Violent White Supremacists: The Trump administration made a significant shift earlier this year, with the Department of Justice and Homeland Security no longer investigating groups such as white supremacists. This including pulling funding for organizations that fight back against this type of extremism. That program should return its focus to preventing violence from white supremacists.
Stop Suppressing Minority Voters: During this year’s legislative session, the Republican-controlled House and Senate passed voter suppression legislation that requires photo identification and cuts back on early voting. This policy is designed to decrease voter turnout, specifically among minority populations. It should be reversed immediately, and we should find ways to make the ballot accessible to every Iowan.
Create Real Economic Opportunity: Iowa’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country, but our African American unemployment is among the very highest in the country. Governor Reynolds and Republicans have only one economic opportunity solution: tax cuts, tax cuts, and more tax cuts for businesses. But our economy won’t work for everyone until we provide every resource possible for our schools and universities, and enact meaningful change to prevent hiring discrimination.
Justice Must Truly Be Blind: Iowa is second worst in the country for racial disparities in drug arrests. There have been calls to review Iowa law regarding drug possession and delivery, and that review would be a welcome next step, as long as it’s followed up with changes to the laws to ensure a fairer justice system.
Actions speak louder than words.
It’s time for Republicans to stand up to the President they helped elect, and for all elected officials to change the policies we have in place that create an unequal state and country.
We will continue to do more to bring awareness to all of these issues, and present you with opportunities to take action.
Starting tonight there are a number of peaceful vigils happening all across Iowa. Below is a list of every one we could find online, but if you hear of any others please email us and we will help promote it.
ATTEND IN SOLIDARITY WITH CHARLOTTESVILLE
DES MOINES
Shine the Light Against Hate
Hosted by Interfaith Alliance of Iowa
Monday, August 14, 7:00 PM
Cowles Commons, 300 Locust St, Des Moines, Iowa
Click here to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1977173232562127/
DAVENPORT
No Hate – Rally Against the National Alliance
Hosted by Quad Cities Queer Committee
Wednesday, August 16, 12:15 PM
Vander Veer Botanical Park, 215 E Central Park Ave, Davenport, Iowa
Click here to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1643153452384149/
OSAGE
Solidarity with Charlottesville Vigil
Hosted by Indivisible
Monday, August 14, 7:00 PM
First United Methodist Church, 819 Main Street, Osage, Iowa
Click here to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/110138393025700
WATERLOO
Solidarity with Charlottesville Vigil, Stop Hate, End Violence
Hosted by Americans for Democratic Action Iowa
Monday, August 14, 7:00 PM
Lincoln Park, 401 E 4th St, Waterloo, Iowa
Click here to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/942479039226825/
MANCHESTER
Manchester Candlelight Rally to Protest Violence and Racism
Hosted by Manchester Progressive Alliance & Indivisible Iowa SD & HD 95/96
Thursday, August 17, 7:00 PM
Whitewater Park Gazebo (on the sidewalk), S Franklin St, Manchester, Iowa
Click here to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1982206668679126/
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Media Matters for America: How Donald Trump emboldened Charlottesville white supremacists
New York Times: For Whites Sensing Decline, Trump Unleashes Words of Resistance
CNN: Donald Trump stumbles on David Duke, KKK
Reuters: Trump to focus counter-extremism program solely on Islam
Politico: DHS halts planned funding for anti-white extremism group
CNN: 2 top Trump immigration advisers linked to alleged hate groups
Cedar Rapids Gazette: Voter ID bill is unnecessary and discriminatory
Des Moines Register: Racial gap undermines metro’s progress
Des Moines Register: Iowa ranks 2nd-worst in racial disparities for drug arrests
){kind=link}