MS NOW host Ali Velshi cited the country's so-called democracy and "unresolved racial issues" as reasons why he is not fully supportive of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. (Watch the video below.)
«"Anniversaries are imperfect testaments to what they commemorate," he said on his program Sunday. "In the case of America, anniversaries often gloss over the racial dimensions that underlie much of American history and politics, questions that remain unresolved because America has never fully come to terms with its racist past and its original sin—slavery.".
«"In a month, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding," he continued. "As with previous anniversaries, this is deeply troubling. I am deeply troubling about the celebrations I've been invited to to mark the 250th anniversary of our so-called democracy.".
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Pointing to the fundamental unrest caused by racism, Velshi added:
«"Women and African Americans have lost their rights. Voting rights laws have been effectively erased. A number of states continue to gerrymander electoral districts ahead of midterm elections, which clearly has the effect of disempowering African Americans.".
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Velshi, who was born in Kenya, raised in Canada and became an American citizen in 2015, expressed sympathy for other Americans who may have been hesitant to fully enjoy the holiday.
«"If you're conflicted about America's upcoming anniversary—for example, you want to celebrate the ideals America strives for, which are noble and worthy of celebration, but you also lament the state of the country—you're not alone. At least, I'm with you on this.".
Velshi's heartfelt words, as expected, sparked a racist backlash online.
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