Recently, Scott Stuart, the chair of the Deschutes County Republicans, brought his offensive brand of politics to the Redmond City Council.

There he proudly reminded us that he marched in the Fourth of July parade wearing a Confederate uniform and carrying the Confederate flag.

The inescapable truth about the Confederacy is that its existence was rooted in the thirst for slavery. The secession document of every state declared that protecting the South’s “peculiar institution” (that is, slavery) was its reason for leaving the Union.

As Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens put it, “Our new government was founded on slavery.”

Apparently Stuart thinks we should go back. Stuart and his collaborator Ammon Bundy reside under the banner of the People’s Rights Party. Their actions indicate that they are very concerned about their own rights and far less concerned about how the rights of the others around them might be affected.

Claiming the mantle of “People’s Rights” while advocating for a time when people were bought and sold like mules requires some explanation.

I lived in Redmond for nearly 40 years before moving to Bend with my new wife a couple years ago. I miss the easy streets, the quiet charm of the neighborhoods, and the gentle pace of its folk.

It does my heart good to see the city council resist the toxic push of Stuart and his ilk. Stuart and his pal Bundy are poor representatives for Redmond.

You are far, far better than that.

Jonathan Davidson

Bend