Letter: Slamming Donald Trump's racism is moot if you still vote for him
Lynn Schmidt's column " This governor's responsible leadership rebukes today's poisonous partisanship " (Oct. 2) is a perfect example of how "respectable" conservatives launder the racism of the Republican Party.
Schmidt rightly praises Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio for his compassionate and sane opposition to the racist lies being spread about Springfield, Ohio, by Donald Trump and JD Vance. But when it comes to actually doing something brave about those lies — like refusing to endorse their purveyors — we are to excuse DeWine for being a partisan Republican.
The implication is that "respectable" conservatives must vote for Trump (they are partisans, after all) but their votes should be forgiven because they acknowledge Trump says and does racist things.
As always, the triumph of evil is permitted by the inaction of good people. DeWine and his ilk seem disinclined to take the one action that matters: admitting Trump and Vance are not fit to lead.
Ryan Fanning
