I hope this isn't seen as pompous, self righteous, or political. It's not meant as any of that, though I can see how it could be perceived that way, potentially.
Like everyone I know, I was shocked and saddened at the events in Charlottesville, Virginia yesterday.
I think they woke me up a bit. I don't mean in that hackneyed sense of me saying I'm "woke". That would be pompous.
What I mean is that I think it's time for good people to stand up and say what they believe, out loud, in front of everyone. I think it's not enough anymore in this day and age to assume you are thought to be against bigotry and racism just because you don't say anything to support it. That's because part of what drives these Nazis and their "movement" is their notion is that "we're just saying what many others are thinking," like there is some kind of huge silent majority out there that agrees with them. Bullshit. Those assholes don't speak for me. They have never spoken for me. I reject everything they stand for. We will never advance in this country until we embrace the idea that we are alike more than we are different and despite our superficial differences and start acting like brothers and sisters and shut this stupidity down.
OK, off my soapbox!