rac·ist /rāsest/ adjective: characterized by or showing prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized. As Kevin Lewis insinuates a “fear of non-Caucasian America.”

A good example, IMO: our current Mayor, who publicly posted on social media that the Mayor Pro-tem and other members of the Council are “old white men.” In that one statement the Mayor strategically discriminated against both age, race, and gender all in one breath.

IMO, racist is a label used by small minds who have no other arrows in their quiver with which to do battle. It is a sticky term, like a blanket full of small pox. It is hard to get out from under. It is used to defame a person. In order to defend against the label, you must use race as a defense. Example: How can I be racist? I am a friend to this person or that person who are members of this race or that.

I think it would be better if people like the Mayor’s friend from Carthage chose not to bring their divisive attitudes to Marshalltown. Unfortunately, we are stuck with our current antagonistic Mayor until Dec. 31, 2025.

Elections matter. Vote smart this November.