In a move that should surprise no one who has followed her voting record, State Senator Robin Webb has chosen the party of racism, sexism, and fascism: she has become a Republican.
In announcing her decision, Webb used the worn-out phrase “I didn’t leave the party; the party left me.” She further said that the Democratic party “no longer ... represents my values.”
Which Democratic values do you disagree with, Ms. Webb? Equal rights for all? Clean water and clean air? Standing up to giant corporations so they don’t screw small businesses? Preventing greedy billionaires from taking everything we have, including our democracy?
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about values. It is pure political expediency: Webb is worried that she can no longer get elected with a D by her name, so she switches it out for an R with no more thought than she would when choosing a salad dressing.
And for anyone who thinks the headline is too harsh, let me be clear:
We are in an existential fight for our democracy. This is no time for half-measures and cautious messages. It is, instead, a time for calling out the threat and those who support it, and for standing up for American democracy and the rule of law.
One party, flawed though it may be, still stands for democracy, still values the rule of law. The other party clearly does not.
Robin Webb has chosen to stand with that party. Let us call her choice what it is: choosing fascism to win votes, no matter what it does to our nation.
I hope at some point she realizes what she has done. And in the meantime, I hope that the good people of her district recognize a shameless political move when they see one, and elect someone who will stand up for our democracy and stand against Trumpism and fascism.
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