By Sherman R. Frederick
Gov. Gavin Newsom put a target on the back of Marin. The threatened violence with which we are now faced is his fault. I don’t think there’s any other way to see it.
Last Friday the governor, who is from Marin, told a story about racism in Marin.
He said the children of a black friend of his were pulled over in Ross for no other reason than they were driving in a white neighborhood.
The governor used the anecdote to express sympathy to Black Americans in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. There’s nothing wrong with that per se.
But he essentially used Marin as a symbol of white privilege and racism. To tell that story in that way was playing with fire and using Marin County as kindling.
Last night came the news from law enforcement: Social media posts said a caravan of about 100 cars filled with four or five “agitators” were headed to Marin on the Richmond Bridge and planning to target Sausalito, Tiburon and other “rich white” communities.
Though no rioting took place, the governor bears some responsibility for this ugly deal.
He owes Marin an apology.
(Sherman Frederick is the founder of Battle Born Media, publisher of intensely local community newspapers, including the Novato Advance, the San Rafael News Pointer, the Mill Valley Herald, the Sausalito Marin Scope, the Twin Cities Times, the Ross Valley Reporter and the Pacifica Tribune. He may be reached at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
Candice McGee says
They would have come anyway. Im so tired of people bashing the governor. He’s done a grest job under these horrific circumstances . Do you think you could have done better? Really!! Would you rather have a dictator sending in vicious dogs and stating if their looting start shooting? Yes the looters are a huge problem but consider who is riding them, not the protester’s but trump.
Susan says
Thank you, Candice McGee. This article is really a reach..
Governor Newsom has done an excellent job navigating through these incredibly rough waters.
Julia V says
Whaat? Who is riding them??!! What a fallacy … wake up!
Prison time for all the looters!
Candice McGee says
I agree looters should be arrested but they are being enticed by others not the protesters who are trying to make a change to the justice system. The blacks cant do this by themselves . If your white you know this is our fight too.
Marty Zelin says
Thanks Candice.
Robert says
Spend a day in Oakland! I worked there for years and became friends of the gangs! Why do you post your crap if you have no experience
Jen Rund says
I also do not agree. I hear the governor calling it like he sees it – Marin is an incredibly privileged place to live and I’d guess pretty much everyone (whether you live here or not) knows it. Good on Gov. Newsome for acknowledging disparity when he sees it. I feel very privileged – and grateful! – to be able to live in Marin. I feel ALL of us living here should be conscious of what we have, and speak up for those facing many, many more challenges. That said, let’s not forget that not everyone in Marin, even, experiences the privilege that us white folks do.
Marin says
So, we deserve to be targeted, looted and hurt. Be honest.
M says
Calling for an apology from anyone in government. Is not going to solve anything for anyone. It won’t feed, clothe, house and bring anyone back to life.
Susan Abbott says
Thank you Susan, Candace & Jen. I couldn’t agree with you guys more, We’re lucky to have Governor Newsom!
Ken says
I am not a Newson supporter, but in my opinion he has painted a target on our backs. Let’s hope we are able to come out of this still whole
JustSaying says
No actually white liberal knee jerking narcissism Marin owes the state, people of color and human beings in general an apology. Get over yourself Marin!
Julia V says
Your comment is riddled with hatred of white people. Sounds very racist…
dixie says
I was a military wife, raised military and have lived all over and I have found good and bad everywhere. I live her because I married a man living here before lived in Petaluma. I think it’s time to stop walking now do something, stop the defiance now! God speed.
Tiffany says
The man he referred in the article is a very close friend of his. HE IS AFRICAN AMERICAN in no way did he paint targets on Marin or anywhere else THE BLAME IS SOLELY ON THE CORRUPT POLICE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST BLACK PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY!! Your just talking to hear yourself Marin demonstrators have been peaceful.
Lola says
Governor Newsom sits in his mansion with security guards to protect him and his family from criminals. Why aren’t the rioters going to his house and smashing and burning it down? Doesn’t he, as governor, bear responsibility for racial disparity in California?? Yes, he does. I live in Marin, have worked hard for the things I have and I don’t think I should feel responsible for what these animals are doing to our cities. Oh and by the way. What do you think about governor Newsom spending $1 BILLION DOLLARS for face masks from CHINA??? Face masks that were ineffective?? Yup, he’s a great governor all right.
tony says
agree 100%
Julia V says
Thank you, Lola! Agree 100%!
Marin says
If you want to see a clear-cut example of racism, take a look at this:
https://marinlocalnews.com/meet-straight-up-racism/
Thomas E Lester says
Before bashing the governor, I would need to examine just how blacks are treated in Marin. Novato is 76% white. But I can’t find the racial makeup of the Novato police department. With 80 employees, how many are non-white ? What about other towns in Marin ? Does law enforcement match the demographics of the population ? It can’t be an exact match, but is it all white ? If so, why ? WHat about teachers ? Do we give our students an opportunity for exposure to non-white people of authority ? It’s issues like these that can create problems that never see the light of day unless someone pushes it into the light.
Lisa says
Ridiculous. I have similar stories having grown up in Marin, as does my spouse who grew up outside of Detroit! Both of us are white and therefor privileged . Recounting a story of white privilege doesn’t make one responsible for another’s actions, only our own.
Blake says
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