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Support alernative to neo-Nazi march
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By The News Tribune
We encourage the community to support a city commission's plans for an alternative to the scheduled neo-Nazi march in Jefferson City.
Members of Jefferson City's Human Relations Commission met last week and discussed hosting a public demonstration Nov. 8, the Saturday when members of the National Socialist Movement intend to gather here. The group has received a parade permit and intends to march from the Governor's Mansion to the Capitol.
An alternative event where Central Missourians can gather and celebrate diversity is an excellent idea.
The initiative is consistent with the mission of the Human Relations Commission. And, such an event will provide a stellar opportunity for Jefferson City to show our visitors we embrace inclusion and harmony.
We agree with the commission's decision not to hold the alternative event in close proximity to the march.
Close quarters would invite conflict.
Enflamed emotions are a byproduct of a neo-Nazi event.
We encourage members of the community to promote our values, not to clash with people whose values we abhor.
The planned march has created a dilemma for state government, the community and the media.
We all agree the spectrum of freedoms we enjoy includes the freedom for neo-Nazis to assemble peacefully.
We also understand one purpose of the march is to gain attention, and that we in the media play into their hands whenever we publicize the event.
But we also believe another freedom we enjoy - a free press - allows us to shine a bright light on this event.
This intense light is preferable to dark recesses. We are confident visibility and scrutiny allow people to make the right choices.
We endorse an alternative event where people who have made enlightened choices can gather and celebrate the strength of diversity.
Members of Jefferson City's Human Relations Commission met last week and discussed hosting a public demonstration Nov. 8, the Saturday when members of the National Socialist Movement intend to gather here. The group has received a parade permit and intends to march from the Governor's Mansion to the Capitol.
An alternative event where Central Missourians can gather and celebrate diversity is an excellent idea.
The initiative is consistent with the mission of the Human Relations Commission. And, such an event will provide a stellar opportunity for Jefferson City to show our visitors we embrace inclusion and harmony.
We agree with the commission's decision not to hold the alternative event in close proximity to the march.
Close quarters would invite conflict.
Enflamed emotions are a byproduct of a neo-Nazi event.
We encourage members of the community to promote our values, not to clash with people whose values we abhor.
The planned march has created a dilemma for state government, the community and the media.
We all agree the spectrum of freedoms we enjoy includes the freedom for neo-Nazis to assemble peacefully.
We also understand one purpose of the march is to gain attention, and that we in the media play into their hands whenever we publicize the event.
But we also believe another freedom we enjoy - a free press - allows us to shine a bright light on this event.
This intense light is preferable to dark recesses. We are confident visibility and scrutiny allow people to make the right choices.
We endorse an alternative event where people who have made enlightened choices can gather and celebrate the strength of diversity.
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nospinzone wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:11 PM: