America is as politically divided as ever - from the COVID-19 pandemic to police reform, and from rioting and looting to cancel culture. Americans find themselves in the middle of a fight against radicalism. The aftermath of George Floyd’s murder has devolved into violence in American cities and the tearing down of memorials of influential Americans. Let’s discuss Democrats who stand up against these radical behaviors and the near-Marxist principles behind them.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D-Atlanta, GA)
Mayor Bottoms took a hard stance against violence in Atlanta following the death of George Floyd. Bottoms’s message to rioters and looters was to “go home.” She condemned actions by the rioters.
“You are disgracing our city. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country.”
Bottoms noted Atlanta’s history of minority business ownership, black mayors, and black police chiefs as signs of progress. Instead of participating in and condoning violence, Mayor Bottoms encouraged citizens to peacefully protest in the likeness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to vote in November.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Sen. Sinema is known as one of America’s most bipartisan politicians. In her Maiden Speech, she stated that America needs more politicians that “choose country over party.”
Sinema has long worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to push Veteran Affairs reform and the safe reopening of America’s economy.
During President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union Address, Sinema, at times, found herself the only Democrat standing and clapping for American successes within a sea of pouting Senators and Representatives.
Sinema most recently chose country over party when she openly opposed calls to defund the police, highlighting the need for mental and behavioral health within police departments.
Representative John Lewis (D-GA05)
The late Rep. John Lewis fought for Civil Rights and racial equality his whole life with dignity and respect. From protesting Jim Crow Laws in Nashville, TN to his final days in the House, Rep. Lewis never lost his passion for peaceful protest as opposed to violence.
He encouraged Americans to be “constructive, not destructive. History has proven time and again that non-violent, peaceful protest is the way to achieve the justice and equality that we all deserve.”
Former President Barack Obama (D-IL)
Many may be surprised to see President Obama on this list. However, Pres. Obama both condemns violence and cancel culture.
During the 2015 Baltimore Riots, Pres. Obama condemned rioting as “counterproductive,” and that rioters are “thugs and criminals.” In fact, hundreds were arrested, and the National Guard was called in to restore order.
This applies to today’s riots since President Trump is being criticized for taking similar positions and actions.
Additionally, Pres. Obama stated in 2019, “This idea of purity and you're never compromised and you're always politically 'woke' and all that stuff. You should get over that quickly. The world is messy, there are ambiguities. People who do really good stuff have flaws. People who you are fighting may love their kids. And share certain things with you."
He went on to call out college students for attempting to silence other students using judgement, condemnation, and intimidation.
Chiefs Renee Hall (Dallas, TX) and Carmen Best (Seattle, WA)
While Chiefs Hall and Best are not publicly known Democrats, they should be included. They both fight the mob ideology while staying true to public safety.
Renee Hall faced criticism when she ordered the arrest of 647 protesters in Dallas for blocking a major highway after giving them several warnings. She defended her decision by saying, “Although peaceful, the protesters broke the law,” and she stated her first priority is to keep Dallas safe, not to make others happy.
Carmen Best’s police department has faced CHAZ/CHOP and more recently a 50% cut in the SPD budget.
“I will fiercely advocate that we focus on realistic, rational and responsible solutions – not political gestures or pandering or political posturing. I do not believe we should ask the people of Seattle to test out a theory that crime goes away if police go away. That is completely reckless.”
Best is persistent on keeping police funding, even fighting off council member Lisa Herbold’s suggestion to fire officers by race.
Conclusion
Moderate Democrats do not have to compromise their beliefs to pander to the radical wing in order to be successful, and Republicans can co-act with Democrats to work toward a more perfect union.