opinion

Roy immigrated to Texas from Pennsylvania.

Dear [Publication], Chad Wolf's recent op-ed accusing Roy of playing the race card against Harris is yet another attempt by the right-wing media to deflect from the real issues at hand. Wolf accuses Roy of "playing identity politics" by highlighting the racial dynamics at play in the Vice Presidential debate. But let's be clear: it is not "playing the race card" to acknowledge the obvious—that Roy's attacks on Harris' racial identity were a transparent attempt to pander to his base and divide the electorate. The right-wing media's attempts to paint Roy as the victim of "cancel culture" are ludicrous and should be called out for what they are: a desperate attempt to maintain a status quo that serves their interests at the expense of people of color. It's time for the media to stop giving a platform to these disingenuous talking points and start holding politicians accountable for their actions. Sincerely, [Name] [Address]

Published July 23, 2024 at 8:39am by

Kamala Harris: Selected for her DEI Credentials or Merit?

"Kamala Harris is a 'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) vice president...'" - U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Hays County

In a recent interview, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Hays County) referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as a "DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) vice president," implying that her race, ethnicity, and gender were the primary factors in her selection as Joe Biden's running mate. https://bit.ly/3Crmkcf.

One reader, Stephen Shackelford of Austin, pushes back on this notion, asking why Harris' successes as district attorney and attorney general of California, and later as a U.S. senator, couldn't have been the merits upon which Biden made his decision. They question the double standard, asking how this is different from past presidential nominees "balancing the ticket" based on geography and religion.

Republicans and the Trump Playbook

Another reader, Cynthia High of Dripping Springs, praises the Democratic Party's strategy, saying they "outplayed the MAGA Republican Party brilliantly." High commends Biden for his policies and his decision to step down, making way for younger, vibrant candidates. In contrast, they criticize the MAGA Republicans for being "stuck with an elderly, lying, narcissistic, convicted con man and an unpopular playbook."

Readers' Letters:

"The Dems just outplayed the MAGA Republican Party brilliantly...Now younger, vibrant candidates are going to be running for the presidency...Game on!" - Cynthia High, Dripping Springs

Letters to the editor can be submitted using the online form: https://bit.ly/3Crmkcf or via email to letters@statesman.com. Letters should not exceed 150 words, and names and cities of residence must be included for publication.