This is Not America

As we await the start of Special Session on Monday, January 27th, Floridians are being battered with news of roundups of undocumented immigrants, raids in schools and questioning of students, threats to comply against law enforcement and the further attempts to consolidate power by Governor DeSantis to silence the voters of our state. Veterans, citizens who have fought to defend our freedoms, are being questioned, degraded and forced to provide “papers” proving they are indeed American citizens.

This is how it begins. This is how it escalates. This is how we become authoritarian states ruled by dictators. This is how communities disappear. This is how society is shaped to be uniform in physical appearance, ethnicity, religious beliefs (or the utter lack thereof- the Jesus I know and worship would be appalled at the utter disregard for humanity), sexual orientation, and uniform in economic disparity. The strength of our nation, our state, our county, our communities is in our diversity and in the shared experiences we have as citizens of this world.

We, the Polk County Democratic Party, implore our elected representatives to ensure the safety of our communities. Govern with compassion and respect for humanity. Lead with integrity. Representatives Albert, Canady, Johnson and Tomkow; Senators Albritton and Burton; listen to the concerns, fears and questions of your constituents and RESPOND. We, your constituents, are not the enemy. Your silence is complicity with their actions. The new administration and Governor DeSantis will continue their onslaught AGAINST ALL OF US, including your constituents, resulting in not only pain but also your defeat. We will not be silenced!

Americans are hurting and scared. The day to day uncertainty this week alone has created storms of anxiety and fear. This is not governance, this is not regard for humanity, this is not the teaching of Jesus or any religious text, THIS IS NOT AMERICA.

President Ronald Reagan said “Respect for human rights is not social work; it is not merely an act of compassion. It is the first obligation of government and the source of its legitimacy.”

We must support one another and protect those who cannot protect themselves. The Polk County Democratic Party is committed to this fight and will work daily for ALL, not some.

IN SOLIDARITY ALWAYS

JOHN HILL

Chairman, Polk County Democratic Party