Governor Lee’s refusal to denounce the perpetrators of the January 6th attack on the Capitol by dismissing the hearings as mere “distraction” is alarming. Minimizing the significance of this attack on our democracy combined with his refusal to impose sensible gun laws in response to an epidemic of mass murders is particularly inappropriate given that Tennessee is now considered to be among the top 5 most dangerous states in the nation with 1,473 gun-related deaths this year alone.
Equally disturbing is the fact that The Southern Poverty Law Center reports Tennessee to have the second highest number of hate groups in the nation – 28 to be exact. What message is this governor sending them by his refusal to condemn or disavow racist, anti-American behavior? That such groups are still actively engaged in military-style attacks on innocent citizens is evident by the recent arrest of 31 well-armed white supremacists caught driving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to initiate a riot by attacking a pride rally.
Governor Lee’s parroting of political party rhetoric is irresponsible and provides tacit approval and encouragement for this type of violent behavior. Vote accordingly in November.
Chloe Cerutti
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
