This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
It wasn’t ‘both sides’
The narrative about Charlottesville violence has comfortably settled on the “both sides” explanation. Marilyn Gleeson makes the point in her Sept. 25 letter that the purpose of the Unite the Right rally was to protest the removal of statues.
“Unfortunately, there were also neo-Nazis and white supremacists gathered too.” She continues “the opposing side was antifa defined as a group of violent Communist, Socialist, police haters and anarchists.”
Her most glaring statement, “Unfortunately the corrupt news media portrays them as against racism.”
I have read these same talking points on Steve Bannon’s Breitbart News, Alex Jones’ Infowars and other hard alt-right websites. When I started to write how terribly untruthful this fake news story is, I realized that all one has to do is look back at the photos from the Friday night Torchlight March in Charlottesville. The sheer magnitude of their White Night parade chanting “Jews will not replace us.” “Blood and Soil” (documented Nazi terminology) puts to rest any confusion about who these people were.
Some neo-Nazis marchers dressed like Trump- khaki tan slacks, white polo shirt. Elderly Jewish worshipers huddled in their synagogue while Nazis tormented them. Swastikas proudly displayed in an American city. KKK were also represented.
Darlene Brice
Spokane