The next threat posed by Sheriff Hodgson
With the increasing anger-fueled divisiveness in this country it is important to call out public officials who perpetuate or enhance their careers by joining the chorus of hatemongers.
Massachusetts residents do not have to look to other states to identify an elected official who repeatedly employs hate and fear generating rhetoric. Sheriff Thomas Hodgson of Bristol County has spewed inflammatory and deceptive comments about undocumented immigrants for many of his 25 years in office.
He grabbed the spotlight and energized resentful residents by attributing the problems facing this country to undocumented immigrants. He instilled fear in his supporters in Bristol County, and undoubtedly beyond, as he appeared at rallies, sat for interviews, and joined the advisory boards of white supremacist organizations.
In furtherance of his career he also hitched his wagon to Donald Trump and at the end of his presidency joined the list of public officials throwing doubt on the legitimacy of the last presidential election.
In an effort to bring attention to himself Hodgson threatened to send his officers to the polling stations to provide safety to the voting process. This was just another blatant attempt to demonstrate his fealty to Trump and his alliance with the white supremacist organizations .
Almost immediately after the horrific assault on the capitol on January 6th, Hodgson voiced lukewarm criticism of the rioters but then suggested that there be an audit of the election before the inauguration of Biden.
Several organizations, to which Hodgson has been affiliated as a member, or on their board, have publicly and frighteningly, begun their vigorous assault on voting rights by proposing to take possession of voting machines after the next elections.
Essentially silent on the voting fraud myth, for now, it can be reasonably assumed that if Hodgson wins re-election he will proceed to adopt this as his next rallying cry.
It is therefore more imperative than ever to remove Hodgson from office and replace him with a sheriff who will concentrate all energy and resources on lowering the recidivism rate, reducing taxpayer expenses, and being ever mindful of the well-being of the correctional officers who are employed in the Bristol facilities.
We need a law abiding and ethical Sheriff who will remove the stain and negativity associated with the Bristol County correctional system.
Betty Ussach, Dartmouth
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