BY JEANETTE LENOIR
Dale. W. Zorn
Dale W. Zorn is a Klansman who traded in his white sheet for a more socially acceptable uniform to serve as a Republican in the Michigan Senate. Black people and their supporters in the struggle for basic human and civil rights have been warning about his ilk for decades. Well, he finally showed up as he truly is. A blatant racist cloaked in his favorite symbol of hate; the Confederate flag. His wife, embodying the spirit of ol’ Betsy Ross herself, worked tirelessly through the night supposedly to ensure her brave chubby hubby would shine, like a proud demon showing off its newly sharpened horns, in the state Capitol where he pretends to work on behalf of his fellow Americans. Unfortunately, and despite the lapse of time, the birth of change and enlightenment, Zorn’s only agenda is to strengthen and advance the racist structures of our government. Let’s be clear. This pathetic coward is not working for US, but rather against the ideals of our country, yet to be fully fulfilled. One nation, under God with liberty and justice for all? Absolutely not, because those powerful words that wake up our true American spirit of unity and brotherhood is cheapened and reduced to mere lip service with his continued presence in office. So, Zorn must resign.
Zorn, after receiving scorn for his appalling but honest behavior, backtracked on being a lone-standing brave little confederate soldier in the fight for the preservation of slavery and segregation, the spirit and intent of a flag this country’s been trying to bury since the end of the Civil war. Don’t fall for his insincere apology and blatant lies. His intentions were clear and direct. He hates black people, and everyone else that particular symbol of hate targets in its scorn as a way to preserve lily white lives.
This is a man who voted for cage free chickens but can’t see humanity in black people. This is a man who votes to make life more difficult for the most vulnerable population in his community, poor and disabled people, and yet flaunts his full belly, evidence of his decadent and privileged life. Shame on those who voted for him time and time again. And shame on those who don’t see the value and importance of voting. They say all politics is local. It’s true, more so than ever before, and Zorn holding office for as long as he has is clear evidence of this. I don’t have to live in the 17th District of Michigan represented by this pig man to know that those who do, deserve better. I can only hope and encourage them to see Zorn for exactly what he is: a bona fide racist, and demand his resignation.
Some will undoubtedly and mistakenly reach for the nonsensical excuse of forgiveness with oppressive sayings like, “they know not what they do.” Unless you’re stuck on stupid, you better believe these racists cowards know exactly what they do. As a matter of fact, they’ve perfected the art of racism by merely switching their Klan sheets for robes, uniforms and fancy suits. We’ve certainly made some progress since the days our black leaders marched and boycotted for freedom and civil rights. But, the work to bring about real and lasting change is far from over. And Zorn is a stark reminder of the remnants of segregation, Jim Crow, lynching’s, including the near annihilation of Native Americans. And those who take issue with this strong rebuke of his action and call for his immediate resignation, would be well served to familiarize themselves with American history, the Morrill Act or Land-Grant Universities that to this day, reap billions from the theft of Native American lands. History is a cycle of repeated events. So, when will we learn? I don’t know. But it starts by standing up. It starts by speaking truth to power, fearlessly. And demanding the immediate resignation of those still romanticizing our shameful history of slavery, and the holocaust of Native Americans. Luckily, we can count on their stupidity similar to their hate when they advertise the depths of their depraved souls by wearing or flying the Confederate flag. Perhaps, similar to a sex offenders list, America should keep a racist list. Nonetheless, Zorn, who’s been in office for nearly 30 years, must resign. Can you image the black, brown, poor and disabled life’s he’s negatively impacted in his community with his votes? I can. And as such, this is an appeal to awaken your moral sense, Michigan. Wake up and do better. Demand Zorn resign, now.
