Let’s talk about things

LARRY ANDERSON
Larry Anderson

Let’s talk about things we don’t want to talk about due to discomfort. We are, after all, adults, not snowflakes seeking a safe haven from faults brought to light.

The recent conflict between elements of the left and right in Charlottesville, VA, reminded us of how quickly differences of opinion can turn violent when instigated within a hot political environment. Protest led to counter protest; collision led to death and injuries.

It was all unnecessary.

Following the clash, leftist alarmists swung into action. America, it seemed to them, is plumb full of skinheads, neo-Nazis and KKK nuts hell bent on returning America to the dark days of segregation or worse. If we aren’t careful (and vote for liberals), Nazis could soon be on patrol in our neighborhoods!

Understand the American Nazi Party or any affiliated organization has no power, no influence and no political capital in this country. They consist of bigots who imagine they matter but don‘t. They are small in number and purpose and have no audience in a country whose grandfathers ended them in Europe during World War II. You may thank the Greatest Generation now.

However, in America these groups have the same First Amendment protection as any organization. They can assemble lawfully and have their say. In Charlottesville, the rad right groups had the proper permit to march and wave their little flags, but they offended the left and nearly everyone else. Collision was inevitable and politically driven.

Now we are hearing talk about how there is no room for right wing groups in America to air their opinions, that the First Amendment rights extended to them is too obliging for a country struggling with so many issues. Perhaps their rights should be limited due to their racism and such.

Well, folks, if we are going to start cherry picking which group of thugs can have the podium, we have fallen for the leftist assertion that only their opinions matter.

Yes, there is a neo-Nazi party in America. There is also a communist organization at work and has been for decades. If we are going to limit free speech to all those we don’t like, it is going to be mighty quiet in the public forum.

If the Nazis can’t gather and spew, then, I submit, neither can the commies. What they say on either side is of no importance anyway. No extreme group should be taken as spokespersons for a population more tolerant than accused. This isn’t 1960.

The conflict in Charlottesville could have been avoided if those protesting their presence had stayed home. If there is no audience, no media, no national publicity, they have lost in their purpose. If they are looking for trouble, don’t give them what they want. That step might have saved a life.

How better to demonstrate tolerance then to not invite violence?

I doubt such an easy approach will ever be taken. The extremists on either side aren’t really invested in peace or open-mindedness or the protection of America as they claim. They are after publicity and find purpose in political activism. Plus big media will always show up for a fight.

So on we go.

Here’s a sidebar to the Charlottesville incident.

Two years ago Kate Steinle was walking with her father on a San Francisco pier when she was shot down by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an illegal immigrant with a long arrest record who had been deported many times. He kept coming back because he didn’t respect or fear the system.

I kept waiting for Barack Obama to comment on the role his woeful immigration policies had in Steinle’s murder, but the silence was resounding. Obama didn‘t see a need for determined border control.

There was no outcry from the left over Kate Steinle. Liberal San Francisco officials were mute too. They are sanctuary city folks, you see.

When Heather Heyer was killed by a supporter of right wing demonstrators in Charlottesville, the anger and incrimination went on for days. Heather quickly reached martyr status. Coverage was plentiful.

Lots of sympathy for Heather from the left; for Kate, not so much. That’s what’s wrong with politics in America today. We measure tragedy by political cost.

To his credit Donald Trump spoke well of Heather and was criticized for it, and he spoke up for Kate when liberals would not.

These are things that need to be talked about because unless some understanding is reached, they will happen again for the same reasons. The rift will widen at this country‘s expense. It is as if that is what both sides want.

Larry W. Anderson is a retired educator, author and Bearcat.