It was an interesting history lesson that Michael Welbourn presented to us in the December 4 issue of The Sierra Booster. Of course, it must be said at the outset that what he presents is a one-sided, distorted view of history — and it comes up short.
It is true that, the latter half of the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, Southern whites did everything in their power — which was almost overwhelming — to keep Black people in subservient roles in society. They tried mightily to reinstitute the realities of slavery, even though it was no longer the law of the land. And, yes, it was Democrats at the time who were the leading political figures in the South. However, it was not just Democrats, but the vast majority of whites, who made it all possible. Still, it was the Democrats who had the power of the vote. And, as a life-long Democrat, myself, I admit that this treatment of Black people was shameful, and serves as a disgrace upon the Democratic Party. Not only upon that party, however, but upon the nation as a whole.
But, let's do what Michael has failed (or refused?) to do. Let's bring history a bit more up to date. Michael tries to leave the impression that it is still Democrats who are trying to keep Black people down. However, Southern white voters began a decades-long shift from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, starting in the mid-20th century, as the parties realigned over civil rights and states' rights. By the 1970's, the South had become a Republican stronghold — and it remains as such today. And, today, it is the Southern states that are leading the way on voter suppression efforts, citing unsubstantiated rumors of voter fraud. (Just try to get a Republican to produce any actual evidence of widespread voter fraud, if you want to experience a long period of silence. Just saying, “It's true because we say it's true”, doesn't qualify.) Under the current regime in Washington, D.C., the Republican effort to disenfranchise people of color has been relentless. And, as we all should know, people who don't have the vote, also don't have any political power. That's the real reason for the white nationalist efforts of the current Republican Party.
So, to summarize: the people who made up the Democratic Party in the South in those long-ago days upon which Michael focused are the people who make up the Republican Party today. However, parties aside, whoever has or is leading the effort to marginalize, demonize, or just plain erase any person or groups of persons in this country bring disgrace to our nation. That is the lesson this history should teach us.
