picture used without permission from @Neubadah
How do I respond to the incidents in Charlottesville?
First, let me acknowledge some of what I don't know.
I don't know all the people who organized the "Unite the Right" rally or those who organized the counter-protest.
I don't know who committed the violence and why they committed it.
I don't know why the "Right" feel the way they feel.
I don't know the daily struggle of those who are not the majority.
I don't know full constitutional rights endowed by our first amendment.
Most importantly, I don't know what I don't know.
Second, in a country that affords every person the right to peaceably assemble and to have unabridged free speech there need to be allowances for those who do not hold my viewpoint (however just or unjust it might be) to assemble and speak. I cannot in one sentence condemn one side for protesting while advocating for the other side to protest. While there are limits to free speech (see limits on dangerous speech), the full extent of what constitutes dangerous speech is unclear. With that in mind, assuming the correct procedures to assemble were followed, and that the intent was peaceable both the "Unite the Right" and the counter-protests were legitimate (note I did not say just or right). As Neubadah said in his tweet about the above picture, "Confederate flags, Nazi salutes, and Klansmen having their rights protected by a black police office". It is a sad irony.
Since, the first amendment affords those who gathered the right to speak, it ALSO allows me the right to respond.
Third, my response.
I stand against a movement that seeks to recreate a past of white supremacy.
I stand against a movement (any movement) that seeks to instill fear, inequality and the betterment of some at the expense and exclusion of others.
BUT, I don't only want to be known of what I am against. I want to be known for what I am for.
I stand for a world where cars are used for transport not death.
I stand for a world where all people are included and welcome.
I stand for the right of all people to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
I stand for justice and peace, but not at any cost.
I stand for the power-rich sharing power with the power-poor.
I stand for a world where love overcomes fear and hate.
You may be free to express hate, therefore, I am free to express love.
And Love Stands Longer Than Hate.
Will you stand with me?
