Did rally protesters cause the violence?
Another sad day in America with the events in Charlottesville. Most Americans find the “white nationalist” group repugnant. Some people also find the Black Lives Matter group repugnant as well.
The real danger in America is not one group. The danger that has been growing is labeling groups that we disagree with and not allowing them the same free speech rights.
It was reported that the white nationalist group had a permit to rally and they were protesting the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue. There was no blame of the counter-protesters who wouldn’t allow the rally to take place. Would there have been violence if they weren’t protesting the rally?
Words like “homophobe, racist, Islamophobe” are used to condemn people who don’t agree with you.
As to labels: if you have religious beliefs against the idea of LGBT, you are a homophobe, and shouldn’t be allowed to voice your opinion. If you are against illegal immigration, you are a racist, and groups march against you. If you are a conservative, you are sometimes blocked from speaking on college campuses and at graduation ceremonies. What about free speech for everyone?
Sharon Hall, Fresno
This story was originally published August 19, 2017 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Did rally protesters cause the violence?."