What did Rep. Mark Walker mean?

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To the editor:

I read the interview with Rep. Mark Walker with interest, but his quote that white supremacy and injustice allowed minority communities “a buy-in to failed leftist ideology and policy that has damaged many of our communities.” What is he referencing when he uses the term “leftist ideology and policy”? Is it freedom of speech (which is guaranteed in our Constitution), Social Security, Medicare, public education, the “idea” of equality for ALL citizens, equal pay for equal work, helping those in the lower 1 percent or access to health care? The problem with evangelical politicians is that they hide behind their religion while supporting ideology and policies that damage a large portion of their constituency. Why would he tout his attendance at a civil rights pilgrimage with Rep. John Lewis when it’s clear that (mostly Republican) legislators were AWOL? One legislator does not make “we made a difference” ring true. He is right about one thing. “We’ve still got work to accomplish bridges to build,” BUT using the term “leftist ideology and policy” sure won’t get us there.

Joyce Baird

Chapel Hill