Hatred in Hallandale Beach
The past few years has seen the level of vitriol by elected officials at an all-time high, and it is time that this comes to an end. In the most recent case, words of hate are being publicly said and tweeted by an elected official right here in Broward County — city commissioner Annabelle Lima-Taub in Hallandale Beach.
As the chairman of the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus, you won’t find a more ardent defender of Israel and opponent of anti-Semitism than me. I am frequently a part of legislation that targets those who support the boycotting of Israel, but that does not mean that I support hate against those on the opposing side.
Last week Commissioner Lima-Taub wrote on Facebook that newly elected Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent, might “blow up Capitol Hill” as a martyr. This is way over the top. Something that is not defensible.
Congresswoman Tlaib has made statements that I find offensive and have the potential to harm the prospect of peace in the Middle East. But to equate her political views to the idea that she would murder her colleagues is as irresponsible a use of free speech as any I have heard.
This is not the only instance of hate speech by Commissioner Lima-Taub, who reportedly is not backing down from her Facebook rants. Another Hallandale Beach commissioner has begun an effort to censure her. While this is appropriate, LimaTaub’s continued presence on the city commission may only serve as a detriment to Hallandale Beach. Several people have privately told me that she should tender her resignation to restore order and decency to the city government.
We see instances of incredible incivility daily everywhere today. The public must come together and say we have had enough. Disagreement and compromise is what has made this country great. Hate speech without compromise does not. Elected officials, regardless of political affiliation should not get a pass. Hallandale, and any other government entity, must make wise decisions to end the proliferation of hate.
Rep. Richard Stark
District 104, Weston