Staff Reports
Ayanna Pressley, the Democratic representative from Massachusetts, has once again played the race card, this time blaming racism for the closure of a Walgreens in Boston’s Roxbury section. It seems that according to Pressley, every unfortunate event that occurs in a predominantly black or Latino community must be a result of systemic oppression. Can’t a business make decisions based on market changes and customer habits without being accused of racial discrimination?
While Pressley and her far-left comrades protest the closure, Walgreens has cited valid reasons for shutting down the location. Changes in the market and buying habits are real challenges that businesses face, yet Pressley seems determined to make it all about race. But honestly, should we be surprised? This is just another example of the left’s obsession with identity politics.
The @Walgreens closure of 416 Warren St. is the latest example of corporations putting profit over the health of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. Walgreens must provide resources to limit the harm they’ve created. They cannot just abandon Roxbury. https://t.co/zBwU24vBzX
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) January 31, 2024
Of course, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are quick to join the chorus of outrage. Markey even went so far as to call Walgreens “heartless.” But let’s look at the facts. The closure of the Walgreens in Roxbury is not some calculated act of racial discrimination. It’s a business decision made based on the changing landscape of the industry.
Pressley claims that the closure will result in a lack of access to essential goods and job losses. But is it really the responsibility of Walgreens to cater to every community’s needs? Businesses exist to make money, not to be the saviors of every neighborhood. If there is a genuine concern about access to pharmacies, perhaps the community should focus on attracting other businesses or exploring alternative solutions instead of relying on a single corporation.
Moreover, labeling Walgreens as racist is not only unfair but also counterproductive. Businesses like Walgreens provide valuable services to communities across the country. Accusing them of discriminatory practices not only damages their reputation but also discourages other businesses from investing in the same areas. If we want to promote economic development and provide more opportunities in low-income communities, we should be encouraging businesses to thrive, not smearing them with baseless claims.
It’s unfortunate that instead of addressing the real issues at hand, Pressley and her counterparts are using this situation to advance their own political agendas. Playing the race card may score points with their progressive base, but it does little to actually address the challenges facing low-income communities. It’s time for these politicians to put aside their divisive rhetoric and work towards practical solutions that benefit all Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
