I have been shocked and saddened by the events taking place in Minneapolis and other cities across the country. The outrage felt by many after witnessing the murder of George Floyd is undeniable, and I am shocked and saddened by what has transpired.
As the Chair of the Howard County Republican Party – the party of Abraham Lincoln and formed in 1854 to fight against the expansion of slavery – I commend all those that have stepped forward to express themselves online and in the community peacefully.
But what I cannot resolve is the destruction of property and violence.
Hate begets more hate, and what we see each night on television – the looting and burning of American cities – must be stopped.
Let me be clear. What I am referring to is not the peaceful protest of unjust policy.
I am referring to the dereliction of duty on the part of elected mayors and other politicians who stand in the way of law enforcement when we need them to maintain order, make arrests and end this now nightly violence.
The tragic death of George Floyd took place six days ago, and reports of unrest and violence have spread to more than 140 cities.
I am not alone in my concerns that unrest will soon come to Howard County.
A peaceful protest is planned to take place at the Columbia Mall tomorrow, June 2nd at 4pm. I am hopeful this event will take place without incident as the organizers intend.
But if the event turns violent and destructive as has been the case in communities all over the United States, an important question must be asked:
Will County Executive Calvin Ball direct local law enforcement to make arrests and maintain order, or will he follow the lead set by the liberal mayors in Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, and Minneapolis who directed police to stand down and let their cities burn?
What do you think Calvin will do?
Will Calvin Ball Maintain Order in Howard County?
Laura Walsh
Chair
Howard County Republican Central Committee