In a recent article, I was dismayed to see the chair and vice chair of the Snohomish County Republican Party engaging in rhetoric that is both shameful and frightening (“‘Aggrieved Trump supporters rally in Everett and Olympia,” The Herald, Jan. 7). Given the recent events at the U.S. Capitol, it can no longer be ignored.
Snohomish Party Republican Chair Doug Roulstone: “We are about the truth and stopping the fraud in the state and in the country.” This is blatantly false. Despite every insistence on election fraud, no proof has ever been provided. Every lawsuit has been thrown out, including those before the Supreme Court. No amount of recounting or investigation will ever be enough. All this does is sow doubt about our democratic election processes and puts those who work in them in danger.
“Mask mandates, antifa agitators, sex education, the closure of businesses, ‘extreme Muslims’ and the ‘planned pandemic’ were skewered by the lineup of speakers that included Roulstone, (co-chair Anita) Azariah and Tim Hazelo, chair of the Republican Party in Island County.” While this sounds like a standard right-wing playlist at a Trump rally or 4chan board, seeing it done by the chair and vice chair of the Snohomish County Republican Party at a public rally is something different.
I would ask each elected Republican in Snohomish County whether this is the representation they desire. They cannot take issue with language and still be represented by those who spew it so enthusiastically. We have seen what unchecked, conspiracy-laden speech can lead to in an already divisive and tense situation. What was said at the rally by Roulstone and Azariah should be unconditionally condemned and they should have their positions revoked. While every citizen has a right to their view, those in positions of power (especially political power) can and should be held to a higher standard.
David Hasler
Everett
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