MISSOURI, UNITED STATES – In a distressing testament to the emboldened state of white supremacy within political realms, the Missouri Republican Party is now compelled to confront its own reflection in the mirror of racial hatred and fascism.
This confrontation comes as the party announces its intention to expel Darrell Leon McClanahan III, a gubernatorial candidate, from its primary ballot.
The catalyst for this action is a damning photograph showcasing McClanahan engaging in a grotesque homage to the most vile aspects of American history—a Nazi salute, standing beside a figure clad in the Ku Klux Klan’s signature white robes, all set against the backdrop of a burning cross.
Not Just One Bad Apple
The photograph is not merely a personal failing of McClanahan but a stark illustration of a broader, more systemic issue. Missouri, unfortunately, finds itself at the epicenter of an alarming resurgence in fascist ideologies and white supremacist movements.
McClanahan’s photo and his subsequent defense, where he downplays the incident as part of a “Christian Identity Cross lighting ceremony” and admits to being an “honorary” member of the KKK, encapsulate the increasingly overt expressions of racism and anti-Black sentiment that plague our society.
The responses from McClanahan’s political peers, including state Senator Bill Eigel, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who have all called for his immediate removal, do little to address the root of the issue.
Their statements, while condemning McClanahan’s actions, fail to acknowledge the systemic and pervasive nature of white supremacy that allows individuals like McClanahan to ascend to the brink of significant political power in the first place.
Furthermore, the emergence of a photo featuring McClanahan alongside Ashcroft, with a campaign sign for Mark McCloskey—a figure notorious for brandishing weapons at peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters—lurking in the background, underscores the interconnectedness of these ideologies within the political landscape.
Missouri’s struggle is emblematic of a larger battle against an emboldened fascist movement, one that cloaks itself in the guise of patriotism while fundamentally undermining the values upon which America purports to stand.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the work that remains to be done in dismantling the structures of white supremacy and anti-Blackness, both within Missouri and across the nation.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we remain vigilant, calling out and condemning these ideologies at every turn, and working tirelessly to build a society that truly reflects the principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all.
