In the days of Jim Crow, racism was obvious. The law, in Southern states, was that whites and blacks had to be separated totally. Even the US military was segregated. In barely more than a decade, 1954 to 1965, those Jim Crow laws were overruled. Thank goodness.
Discrimination today disguises its intent. But the aim remains the same as more than 100 years ago. Separation of Americans by race, ethnicity and color. Such separation may work in all directions.
Courts and lawyers have suggested that statistical tests be used to rip away the concealment of racist intent. Let’s follow that recommendation and see what appears in Colorado.
Begin by looking at registration drives. Here the Democrats outperformed the Republicans, adding 132,000 Democrats to the Republicans’ 75,000 from September 1 to the close of registration a few days ago. (Notwithstanding, Republicans held the final overall advantage in voters by 41,000 … despite the Democrats’ efforts Republicans retained their ongoing registration advantage.)
It’s where Democratic registration drives occurred that tells an unsavory tale.
In their final six week drive, they concentrated on State House districts that have a larger than average share of non-Anglo residents. Of the 24 districts that had 30% or more non-Anglo populations, Democratic registrations surged – above the average district growth – in 20 of those districts.
Clearly, Democrats effectively discriminated against Anglo citizens of our state in their registration efforts. The statistical correlation between high levels of non-Anglo residents and Democratic registration gains was an R-squared of 53%. (Pretty high.) Places with statistically low levels of non-Anglos just didn’t get much play in registering Democrats.
Republican registration gains were absolutely neutral as to racial and ethnic considerations. They had higher than average registration gains in 17 districts that had more non-Anglos than the average district. They had higher than average registration gains in 7 districts that had fewer non-Anglos than the average district. The Republican gains were two to one in higher than average non-Anglo State House districts. Republicans did not play a “race card.”
Ours is a nation that desires to be united, not separated by race, gender, religion or ethnic considerations. Two phrases come to mind. America is a “melting pot” where we join those of other backgrounds.
The second phrase is “by their fruits you shall know them.”
Ask yourself this. Do you like the idea that a political party should choose which citizens to register based on their racial and ethnic backgrounds? If you do, you’ll have no problem with the Democrats.
If actions based on racial considerations offend you, then ask yourself a second question.
Why would you want to vote for politicians whose party discriminates against anyone based on race? Even when they discriminate against Anglos?