Late last month, an email went out from an administrative assistant working for a Republican elected official in the legislature here in the state that was titled
"Historical Keepsake Photo."
The photo was this:
This was sent to me recently by another legislative staffer who was offended by it, as I am.
I talked to my local rep, Mark Maddox about it, and described the picture to him at a recent fund raising event. I think he was as appalled as I was. I was going to post it last week but there was a death in my family and I had to think about it.
Because it made me mad.
But, you know, people need to know that this stuff is going on. I would be just as angry if a democratic staffer had sent it.
Dammit, Tennessee, haven't we moved past this kind of crap. I'm serious.
Leaders and their staffs need to be just that. LEADERS! And they have done a pretty suspect job this year if you ask me.
We live in a world of uncertainty and a lot of hurt. In Tennessee, it's more important to pass dog bills than the budget. But, I guess we can find the time to send out junk, racist emails. Jeez.
Racist imagery matters.
I decided to release it because we need to think about our actions. How does this kind of behavior effect our children? It's just ridiculous and it's wrong.
I expect better of anyone elected to position that my tax dollars pay. I guess I give folks too much credit.
Yes I am on a soapbox and I'm not getting off of the damned thing.
Update: The email I received says the staffer is Sherri Goforth, who works for Diane Black.
UPDATED:
Christian Grantham talks to Ms. Goforth,
who admits she sent the email.
When I asked her if she understood the controversial nature of the photo, Goforth would only say she felt very bad about accidentally sending it to the wrong list. When I gave her a second chance to address the controversial nature of the email, she again repeated that she only felt bad about sending it to the wrong list of people.
I sent it to the wrong list of people? Huh.
...let me guess.. just a joke, right?
