You’re wrong, sheriff. Racism is a problem in SLO County — and we should all wear face masks

There are so many outrageous statements in Sheriff Ian Parkinson’s speech to a Tea Party gathering — about racism, the recent protest movement, the COVID pandemic — it’s hard to know where to start.

So we’ll begin with a few questions: Does the sheriff — the top law enforcement officer in San Luis Obispo County — actually believe what he said?

Or, like Donald Trump, was he just playing to the ultra-conservatives in his base?

Either way, it’s a problem; the sheriff’s remarks were so egregious they sparked a protest on Tuesday night.

Parkinson should be astute enough to recognize that San Luis Obispo County — along with many other forward-looking communities — is evolving in its attitude toward racial justice and the role of law enforcement.

It’s not just the “young white protesters” Parkinson spoke disparagingly about; across generations, people are waking up to the need for change.

Yet there was the sheriff, cozying up to one of the most partisan factions in the county, talking tough about “coming to town with the posse” if protesters tried to take over. Did he not recognize that once his words got out, they would alienate many, if not most, of the very people he’s sworn to protect and serve?

His speech is no longer accessible for public viewing, but here’s some of what the sheriff had to say in his talk and in follow-up remarks to Tribune reporter Matt Fountain:

Racism isn’t so bad in San Luis Obispo County

“Racism is everywhere,” Parkinson said, but he’s “never seen any indication that systemic racism exists in this county.”

Really? Has the sheriff not been paying attention or does he have a short memory?

Did he not catch the recent video of the man who went on a racist rant in Atascadero, calling a Black store manager the n-word and telling him to “go fetch me some water.”

Did he forget about the string of incidents at Cal Poly? The blackface, the photos mimicking people of color, the racist messages on the Free Speech Wall?

Does he not wonder why only 2% of SLO County’s population is Black, or why people of color hold so few leadership positions here? Or why Black and Latino people — including Latinos here in San Luis Obispo County — are disproportionately hit by the coronavirus compared to white people?

Defunding police is “a whole bunch of garbage”

The word “defunding” is unfortunate, since it’s open to misinterpretation. Some people take it to mean all funding will be cut off.

In reality, most organizations calling for defunding want some revenue shifted from law enforcement to other departments, like social services, that could take on some of the work traditionally done by police.

That’s a model that could work.

Dismissing the suggestion out-of-hand as “garbage” signals an unwillingness to even consider innovative ideas.

Recent protests served “no purpose, other than destruction”

The sheriff later clarified that he was “referring to the acts of violence that have occurred all over the nation,” and not to peaceful protests.

Be he left an overall impression that the protest movement has had little effect. So not true.

We’ve already seen stunning results, from the banning of Confederate flags to a re-evaluation of our entire history.

And it’s not just in the United States; many other nations are also examining their pasts. That would not have happened without the protest movement.

Wearing a mask to prevent spread of COVID is optional

“If you choose to wear one, great for you,” Parkinson said as he held up a disposal mask. “If you choose not to wear one, great for you.”

The sheriff is essentially giving people permission to not wear masks — even though medical experts say that’s an important preventive measure. And even though cases are skyrocketing in the county; as of Tuesday 1,369 people had tested positive and seven had died.

Statewide orders aren’t really orders

“I believe the governor’s message has been for people to voluntarily support and follow. I have not heard him take a hard stance on enforcement, except businesses.”

To clarify, this was not a “message.” It was an order from the governor.

Not that Parkinson plans to enforce it; he told the Tea Party gathering he would not “make criminals out of law-abiding citizens.”

He repeatedly stressed “personal responsibility,” completely ignoring the need for collective responsibility during a worldwide pandemic.

Choosing not to wear a mask puts other people at risk. And that’s just plain selfish.

Parkinson’s message of personal choice undermines the Public Health Department’s efforts.

It wasn’t the first time. Early on in the coronavirus pandemic, the county ordered gun shops to close because they were not considered essential businesses. The sheriff disagreed; he intervened, and the county backed off and decided to allow gun shops to reopen.

As we said then, the sheriff should not be making public health decisions, yet that’s exactly what he’s doing when he downplays the importance of face coverings.

Here’s what’s disappointing: The sheriff is in a position to exert influence in so many areas, from urging compliance with public health recommendations to responding to demands for racial justice.

Imagine, for a moment, how powerful it would have been if Parkinson had held up a face mask and urged his Tea Party audience to wear one whenever they’re out in public.

And instead of portraying San Luis Obispo County as somehow free of systemic racism, had spoken about the need for more diversity.

Sheriff Parkinson is personable, he has a long history in the community and he does have a loyal following, especially in the more conservative parts of the county.

But this is not a partisan office. Sheriff Parkinson is responsible for the welfare of all citizens of San Luis Obispo County: conservatives and liberals; white people and people of color; the well-to-do and the unemployed; the housed and the homeless.

It’s time the sheriff stopped marginalizing segments of the population outside his own circle and committed to serving all constituents.

He can start by opening his eyes to the need to build a more diverse and inclusive community in San Luis Obispo County.

This story was originally published July 22, 2020 at 5:00 AM.