The Iowa Constitution states, in an amendment voters passed overwhelmingly in 1998: All men and women are, by nature, free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.
That language doesnt say these constitutional rights extend to white people only. It doesnt say that non-white people should be considered second- or third-class citizens. The language doesnt even mention race or ethnicity, and for a very good reason: Under our constitutions, state and national, America isnt a caste society, with rights limited only to a select group. The rights to free speech, to assembly, to happiness, are to extend to all.
To claim that white people are inherently superior to or deserve higher respect than anyone else crosses a fundamental line of decency and responsible thought.
U.S. Rep. Steve King, a Republican representing Iowas 4th District, shamefully crossed that line last week when he made this statement in an interview with the New York Times: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive?
We live in an era where social media embolden racial fringe groups to proclaim their hate. Its imperative that our elected leaders be stalwart in speaking out against race-based resentments and refrain from stoking them. We reiterate our statement made in a 2017 World-Herald editorial: King needs to rethink the divisive views he endorses online and in the real world. He should be serving his northwest Iowa constituents, not embarrassing them. … America draws strength from its diversity.
King issued a subsequent statement saying, I reject white nationalism. I reject white supremacy. Its not part of any of my ideology.
Several Republican members of Congress have responded with appropriate derision to Kings original statement. I condemn Rep. Steve Kings comments on white supremacy, said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Iowas junior senator. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said Monday: I have no tolerance for such positions, and those who espouse these views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. … If he doesnt understand why white supremacy is offensive, he should find another line of work.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., stated: Everything about white supremacy and white nationalism goes against who we are as a nation. Steves language is reckless, wrong and has no place in our society. McCarthy said action will be taken in the House against King.
Next week, our country will pause to remember the words of another King Martin Luther King Jr. It will be a moment to honor his legacy and appreciate our countrys abiding obligation to safeguard equal rights for, and extend equal respect to, all Americans.
During the upheavals of the civil rights era, Martin Luther King Jr. taught the need for fellowship across lines of race and background. We must live together as brothers, or perish together as fools, he said. That is a principle true to the highest American spirit. A principle our leaders in government, including in the Iowas 4th District, should be stalwart in defending.
