The poison of racism is used for a political hatchet attack. In doing so, it chops at the fabric of our nation, state and county. We all lose.

Keith Townsend used quotation marks to charge Ted Budd with racism at the opening of the Republican headquarters last Tuesday. He edited the quote. You do not have to take my word. Search the Salisbury Post using the words: Republican headquarters. You will find, “Budd, who is a member of the Financial Services Committee, said his re-election and the House remaining majority Republican are important for Rowan County’s economy.

“When I look over my shoulder, I have to make sure I don’t lose my seat, we don’t lose the House of Representatives,” Budd said. “I see other people in other parts of the country that their policies would destroy the momentum that we have in Rowan County. For instance, if we lose the House, the gavel would go to Maxine Waters. I do not think she has Rowan County’s best interests in mind, where I do.”

Those people that use race baiting for a political hatchet attack are themselves guilty of the worst and lowest form of race baiting for political advantage. The truth will set you free.

— John Leatherman

Salisbury