Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield: It’s not OK to bully, disparage a culture

Rep. John Bradford, R-Lansing, made it clear what he thinks about Hispanic members of the Kansas community when he shared a meme on Facebook last week that disparaged Hispanics and President Obama (Jan. 8 Eagle). Based on his history, it was hardly shocking.

Last year, Bradford and several other House Education Committee members spoke with disdain about certain qualifying undocumented students having the opportunity to pay in-state college tuition rates. Then Bradford and others worked to sanction Rep. Valdenia Winn, D-Kansas City, for speaking out against racism.

Few have forgotten what Rep. Virgil Peck, R-Tyro, stated in 2011 when discussing the feral swine population during a committee meeting: “If shooting these immigrating feral hogs works, maybe we have found a (solution) to our illegal immigration problem.” Now Bradford has denigrated both Obama and Hispanics.

Bradford may regret forwarding the post, but he makes no apology for the sentiment of the message.

We must be willing to bring all voices to the table – minorities, women, men, disabled, gay and straight – if we want to truly make impactful change that will better the lives of our families, fellow citizens and future generations. True authentic debate focuses on the issue or issues before us. It breaks down walls, empowers and builds bridges.

Debate that bullies or denigrates is not OK. It is not OK to disparage a culture, an individual or the president of the United States. No one has ever seemed classier or smarter when he has used disparaging rhetoric to bring other groups down.

Each of us has a role to play whenever we see injustice. Each of us has the ability to impact change with our vote. If one wants to get more involved, one can become an activist or serve on school boards or in local or state government.

If you aren’t able to create change for yourself, create it for our children. Let’s all work for a better Kansas.

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield: It’s not OK to bully, disparage a culture."