To the Editor:

The recent letter authored by the new chairman of the Macon County Democratic Party seemed to be more about personal attacks on Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and Republicans in general than about “Why I’m a Democrat.” Such hostile and inaccurate rhetoric is counterproductive in Macon County, as many Democrats and Republicans are friends and work together on non-partisan boards and organizations to make our community a better place.  

One big difference between the two political parties is in how they approach challenges with regard to the needy. The Republican philosophy is to empower rather than enable. The Democratic Party created the “Great Society” with the best intentions, but that approach of helping the poor caused generations to become dependent on and enslaved by government for their needs. A more favorable path would have been creating an environment of personal responsibility leading to success in their lives. As Billy Graham recently observed, “we have rewarded laziness and called it welfare”.

Historically, the Democratic Party has had moments which do not reflect well on its reputation. One in this state that comes to mind is the 1887 County Government Act in which county commissioners were not elected but selected by (Democrats), thereby controlling the money and preventing blacks and Republicans from gaining political power. And who can forget Democrat Gov. George Wallace attempting to prevent black children from entering a public school. Certainly nothing to be proud of, but by no means representing today’s Democratic Party either.  

Decades of Democratic control of the government in Raleigh resulted in being in debt and out of touch with where the money came from (us). Raleigh’s Democratic-controlled legislatures spent money faster than it could be sent to them.

Republicans in North Carolina are now making the tough choices. Sen. Davis, to his credit, is one of those Republicans. Sen. Davis has attempted to correct the inaccurate numbers being offered by the new Democratic county chair with regard to adjustments in education funding and other areas, but the inaccuracies keep coming.

With over three years of divisive rhetoric coming from President Obama against Republicans, the wealthy, the fuel industry and others, it is no wonder it has trickled down. This is unfortunate. It is unbecoming of the new Democratic chair to be so visceral and lies in stark contrast to an earlier time when Ben Utley and I sat having breakfast together at the Huddle House. Ben Utley is the former chair of the Macon County Democratic Party and a gentleman.

I believe a more civil tone would be productive and better represent Macon County citizens who are registered Democrats, but who may expect more of their leader.  

Chris Murray, Chairman

Macon County Republican Party