On February 11, the eve of the Lunar New Year, criminals attacked four Asian-American owned businesses in Howard County, Maryland.
On March 4, at a meeting of the Howard County Racial Equity Task Force, a member of the County Council staff gave a “thumbs-up” to public testimony which included attacks on Howard Countians of Korean and Chinese ancestry. That testimony suggested that these citizens should return to the lands of their ancestors and not participate in the business of Howard County. The Council staff said his gesture was merely part of timekeeping for the meeting.
On March 16, eight people were killed in spas in Georgia. Six of the victims were Asian. Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and other Congressional leaders have linked these killings to growing anti-Asian hate in the United States.
Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan visited Asian American-owned businesses in Ellicott City and held a meeting with Asian American Business and Community leaders. There he announced increased visibility patrols by law enforcement and urged better reporting and investigation of hate crimes.
The Republican Central Committee of Howard County commends the Governor for his leadership during this difficult time, and calls on our County elected officials, business leaders and citizens to step up, to protect and celebrate our fellow citizens of Asian ancestry. We cannot control the opinions of individual citizens, but we can help contribute to a climate of acceptance and encouragement for all.
We are proud of Howard County’s diversity, and of the richness of culture and experience brought to our community by all of its members, including new Americans and new Howard Countians from all over the world.
There is no room for hate in Howard County.