People like to say, “You don’t know what’s in someone’s heart.” And technically, that’s true. But at some point, a person’s words and actions are how they show us what’s in their heart.
When someone repeatedly chooses to demean people because of their race, gender, ethnicity, or who they love, we don’t have to pretend those words tell us nothing about who they are. Especially when that person is an elected official entrusted to represent everyone in the community.
Grace is important. So is forgiveness. But neither one means ignoring a pattern of behavior or accepting an apology that never really acknowledges what was said or why it was wrong.
You may not be able to see directly into someone’s heart, but you can certainly pay attention to what they consistently put out into the world.
And thank you for continuing to report on this and ask the questions that need to be asked. Local journalism matters, especially when it holds public officials accountable and keeps the community informed.
The prior commentator put it perfectly, and I thank you as well:
"And thank you for continuing to report on this and ask the questions that need to be asked. Local journalism matters, especially when it holds public officials accountable and keeps the community informed."
Sure hope the SPLC Southern Poverty Law Center is still following Spotsylvania County for embedded hate crime. They were reported years ago to the SPLC when teachers arrived at Riverbend HS, the morning after the 2016 election to see red swastikas painted on the entry floors. Later that month, hate flyers were distributed in a neighborhood close to the school. This sort of hate crime takes a coordinated effort to get it done quickly and covertly. Mullins' comments fit the profile. Not one on the Bd of Supervisors showed up for the community meeting called by residents with the Sheriff's Dept.
People like to say, “You don’t know what’s in someone’s heart.” And technically, that’s true. But at some point, a person’s words and actions are how they show us what’s in their heart.
When someone repeatedly chooses to demean people because of their race, gender, ethnicity, or who they love, we don’t have to pretend those words tell us nothing about who they are. Especially when that person is an elected official entrusted to represent everyone in the community.
Grace is important. So is forgiveness. But neither one means ignoring a pattern of behavior or accepting an apology that never really acknowledges what was said or why it was wrong.
You may not be able to see directly into someone’s heart, but you can certainly pay attention to what they consistently put out into the world.
And thank you for continuing to report on this and ask the questions that need to be asked. Local journalism matters, especially when it holds public officials accountable and keeps the community informed.
The prior commentator put it perfectly, and I thank you as well:
"And thank you for continuing to report on this and ask the questions that need to be asked. Local journalism matters, especially when it holds public officials accountable and keeps the community informed."
Sure hope the SPLC Southern Poverty Law Center is still following Spotsylvania County for embedded hate crime. They were reported years ago to the SPLC when teachers arrived at Riverbend HS, the morning after the 2016 election to see red swastikas painted on the entry floors. Later that month, hate flyers were distributed in a neighborhood close to the school. This sort of hate crime takes a coordinated effort to get it done quickly and covertly. Mullins' comments fit the profile. Not one on the Bd of Supervisors showed up for the community meeting called by residents with the Sheriff's Dept.