This is absolutely disgusting.
Chris Rufo is a Seattle resident who wanted to run for city council in his community. He happens to be white and he's married to a woman of Asian ethnicity. They have two children. I say all of that so this open letter from Chris will make more sense to all of you:
"I'm writing to you with a heavy heart. After spending the past two days in discussion with my family, I am terminating my campaign for Seattle City Council.
"I had hoped that this would be a campaign of ideas, but I quickly discovered that the activists in this city have no interest in ideas. Since the campaign launch, they have harassed and threatened my family nonstop. I was prepared to take the heat, but unfortunately, they have focused their hatred on my wife and children. They've made vile racist attacks against my wife, attempted to get her fired from Microsoft, and threatened sexual violence. They have even posted hateful messages to my 8-year-old son's school Facebook page. I know that as the race progresses, the activists will ratchet up their hate-machine and these attacks will intensify significantly.
"I feel deeply disappointed about this turn of events and hope that I have not disappointed you, too. I've been overwhelmed by the support, love, and passion from hundreds of people all over the Puget Sound. I know in my heart that our cause is just and our ideas would make Seattle a better place. But my primary responsibility is to make sure my family is healthy, happy, and safe. That's not possible in our current political climate, which has been overtaken by polarization and the ever-present threat of violence.
"I've learned that our problem here in Seattle is much deeper than the city council's policies—we have created a culture of intolerance that is deeply destructive to the common good. I plan to spend the next few months reflecting on this experience and charting a way forward in a series of essays. I hope that some positive benefit can come out of this disappointment.
"Over the next two weeks, I will be refunding all of our campaign donors and will personally cover the costs incurred since the launch of the campaign. I'm deeply grateful for all of you who have made contributions and hope you can reroute your hard-earned money to other candidates in the city.
"I'm going to take a few days with my family, but please reach out if you have any questions. I'm honored to have had your support."
What the hell is happening in this country?!