Rep. Keith Ellison on race relations: Thank goodness for the governor's candor

[geardaddy]

http://m.startribune.com/rep-keith-ellison-on-race-relations-thank-goodness-for-the-governor-s-candor/386708591/

I don’t know about you, but I’d never heard a sitting governor say race might explain why a black person was killed in an officer-involved shooting. Or was denied housing, or was rejected from a job. But on July 7, responding to the fatal shooting of Philando Castile during a traffic stop, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said: “Would this have happened if those passengers were white? I don’t think it would’ve. So I’m forced to confront, and I think all of us in Minnesota are forced to confront, [that] this kind of racism exists.”

And I couldn’t have been prouder of him.

I knew he would be attacked for saying it. I knew some folks who might agree with his candor might not appreciate that he said it. I got a little worried for him. Honesty makes you vulnerable.

I know why our society systematically churns out different racial outcomes: race. I was born knowing it, and everything I have seen, heard and experienced in my 52 years has confirmed it. But rarely do powerful white men admit it. It’s just not done. But every now again you get a Thaddeus Stevens, a William Lloyd Garrison, a Hubert Humphrey, a Bobby Kennedy and a Mark Dayton.

The rest at link. I'm so glad Keith is my representative and Mark is my governor.

[bluedye33139]

1. Minnesota

I was born in Minnesota and visited it a lot growing up. I too would never have expected to see honest and accurate statements about the real consequences of white-supremacist thinking in the lives of people of color.

[malaise]

2. I think an important breakthrough took place this week among

rational folks.

Rec

[geardaddy]

3. The trolls are out in force in the comments section.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. I never read the comments section.

It's too disturbing to think that those sorts of trolls walk among us.

[geardaddy]

6. I feel like I need a shower now from reading the idiotic hate in the comments.

[Wellstone ruled]

4. Mark Dayton will tell you the truth

wither you like it or not. And damn it,it is refreshing isn't it.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

7. I love our Gov.

We are lucky to have him.