Grand County Democrats braved a booth at Constitution Saturday in Grand Lake and were welcomed by the very Republican organizing committee, which was much appreciated. However not so by the keynote speaker, Carol Swain.

It was a glorious, friendly day but she spent about 75% of her talk tooting her own horn about her rise from black poverty in Virginia. Three times, she told us people encouraged her to go back to school, after quitting eighth grade, because she was “attractive and smart.” She went on to become a professor of politics and public policy at Princeton.

Good for her, but the subject of the Constitution was barely referred to. Another 15% of her time, she spoke about her born-again Christian experience while the last 10%, she blamed Democrats for the problems of our country.

Swain claimed we are teaching kids inappropriately about sex. She also said, “There are more of us than them,” and “They will continue to steal elections when they can.”

Our band of blue was sickened by this presentation which was so partisan and disparaging that with a bitter feeling we packed up soon after. However, we did get an apology from Mike Tompkins, chair of the event, and he promised to work with our party for a more balanced experience.

I have long felt that our Democrats and Republicans have kept an amicable relationship and hope it will continue. We all want the best for our Grand County.

Ingrid Karlstrom,
53-year Grand County Democrat.