By Jacqueline Pitts, The Bottom Line
In light of recent events, Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson released a public statement Thursday condemning racism and bigotry.
“I am heartened that corporate leaders across the country are speaking out against the bigotry and racism demonstrated in Charlottesville. Bigotry and racism are bad for the country and bad for business. The CEOs of Intel, Merck, 3M and dozens of other leading companies have condemned the violence and hatred that marked last weekend’s clashes in Charlottesville. Their public comments remind me of the slogan adopted by Atlanta business leaders as they worked to overcome the racial clashes of the 60’s: ‘Atlanta, the city that’s too busy to hate’. Business people who are focused on growing their businesses and the prosperity of their communities embrace diversity in their workforces and welcome customers and clients of all backgrounds,” Adkisson said.
Political leaders from both the right and the left are also speaking out on the issue. Kentucky U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the recent violence and rallies held by hate groups across the country in a statement Wednesday.
“Their messages of hate and bigotry are not welcome in Kentucky and should not be welcome anywhere in America. We can have no tolerance for an ideology of racial hatred. There are no good neo-nazis, and those who espouse their views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. We all have a responsibility to stand against hate and violence, wherever it raises its evil head,” McConnell said.
Kentucky Democratic U.S. Congressman John Yarmuth also released a statement over the weekend denouncing the violence and hatred.
“I reject the disgusting and un-American display that fueled (the violence in Charlottesville). This is the predictable consequence of the increasing political provocations that have fanned the flames of racist hate. Failing to acknowledge that obvious fact, or pretending that everyone shares responsibility for this tragedy, is sheer deception. It is past time for our national leaders — starting with our president — to take a strong stand against bigotry and condemn hate speech before it turns violent. Anything less is a cowardly abdication of our solemn obligation to the people who elected us,” Yarmuth said.
For more state government news go to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s The Bottom Line blog.
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