SLO County GOP chair asks Dems to clarify: Do you want to ‘eradicate MAGA’? | Opinion

At a recent San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party event, Democratic Party Chair Tom Fulks was quoted as saying that Democrats want to “eradicate MAGA from every corner of our democracy.“

The Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County strongly rejects this type of rhetoric.

In a constitutional republic, Americans are free to hold differing political views. Conservatives, liberals, Republicans, Democrats, independents and voters of every persuasion have an equal right to participate in our elections, express their opinions and advocate for the policies they believe will best serve our communities.

Political opponents should seek to persuade one another, not “eradicate“ one another.

Millions of Americans support President Trump and the broader MAGA movement because they believe in secure borders, economic opportunity, energy independence, parental rights, public safety, government accountability and the protection of constitutional liberties. Whether one agrees or disagrees with those positions, Americans who hold those views deserve respect, not calls for their political eradication.

We respectfully ask the elected officials who participated in this event to clarify whether they support or reject the statement that MAGA should be “eradicated from every corner of our democracy.“

The Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County believes democracy is strongest when competing ideas are debated openly and voters are allowed to decide their future at the ballot box. We do not seek to silence Democrats, nor do we seek to eliminate opposing viewpoints. We seek to win hearts and minds through persuasion, civic engagement and free elections.

The answer to speech we disagree with is more speech. The answer to political disagreement is debate. The answer to elections is voting.

We encourage all citizens of San Luis Obispo County, regardless of party affiliation, to reject divisive rhetoric and recommit themselves to the principles of civil discourse, mutual respect and democratic participation.

The Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of every American and ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Randall Jordan chairs the Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County.