Letter to Editor: McMaster Owes Apology for Racially-Tinged Attack on Democrats

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and outrage in response to the recent racially-tinged dog whistle attack made by Governor Henry McMaster against South Carolinians who are members of the Democratic Party. His statement, "I look forward to the day that Democrats are so rare, we have to hunt them with dogs," not only demonstrates a lack of respect but also evokes a painful history that should never be taken lightly.

While it is deeply troubling that our state's leader would need to resort to such divisive rhetoric, it is nothing new. Governor McMaster is following the MAGA lead and saying the quiet part out loud. The rise of political extremism since 2016 has ALREADY resulted in rampant vigilante violence against Black and LGBTQ bodies. I live life on guard with the knowledge that I may be hunted down at any moment—I don’t need the leader of our state stoking racial tensions and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

For context, the use of dogs to track and capture runaway enslaved people was indeed a tragic aspect of South Carolina's history. Dogs, often bloodhounds, were trained to follow the scent of enslaved people who had fled plantations in search of freedom. The dogs were not only used to track down runaway enslaved individuals but were also used as instruments of intimidation and physical harm. This brutal practice continued legally until the end of the Civil War in 1865, which marked the abolition of slavery, but use of dogs as intimidation has continued in response to modern Civil Rights Movements—including those in the 1960’s and today. It's important to recognize that despite this intimidation, Black people resisted those oppressive conditions, and today, we resist calls that harken back to that dark time in our history.

Furthermore, this incident is particularly concerning considering the ongoing efforts by Republicans in our Legislature to restrict the teaching of race and that history in our schools. When public servants are referencing slave-hunting tactics in our public discourse, we need to encourage open and honest discussions about our complex past, not seek to whitewash it. Suppressing the truth about our history only hinders progress and perpetuates systemic ignorance for everyone.

I call on Governor McMaster to take immediate responsibility for his words, retract his statement, and offer a genuine apology to those in our state who have been hurt by his divisive remarks. It is crucial that our elected officials foster an environment of mutual respect, bridge the divides that separate us, and work towards a South Carolina where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

As Anderson Democrats, we are committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society. We believe in the power of dialogue and embracing diverse perspectives, not chasing opposing views with dogs, and we believe this should not be partisan.

Governor McMaster it is time to reflect on the impact of your words and to lead the entire state, not just Republicans.

If you agree, please sign our petition here:

https://www.mobilize.us/andersoncountyscdems/event/564606/

Chris Salley

Chair of the Anderson County Democratic Party

Anderson, SC

Twitter: @ChrisSalley_SC