Dear PDC,
In the world of politics and public policy there is a term bandied about for demarking when a country or a leader goes too far called a “redline.” Ours is a group determined to be inclusive of all political stripes, but we cannot be inclusive of all political views, especially abhorrent ones. And, remaining silent in the face of them takes on a character of complicity that we cannot shoulder. So, I write today to say that Donald Trump crossed one of the most fundamental redlines of all – he posted a clearly racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as apes. This racist trope is a dog-whistle to his base, and anyone who says otherwise is in denial. And, in posting that video Trump (and his acolytes) have proven beyond reasonable doubt that one strand in the DNA of his policies regarding voters, citizens, and ICE is one that has racist implications.
As a co-founder of the PDC, I feel obliged to call out this reprehensible behavior and make clear where the PDC stands in relation to it. The democracy which we are so committed to preserving is not one that allows or supports bigotry, and our voices need to be loud and clear about it.
Gary Hoover
