Distressingly inflammatory

June 23, 2020 Updated Tue., June 23, 2020 at 8:10 a.m.

Leonard Pitts wistfully imagines someone saying, “As a white person in a society where every institution is geared to advantage people like me, it is literally impossible for me to be anything [but racist].” That imputation deforms the definition of racism past recognition: in what meaningful sense are the thousands of white people who have made sacrifices to defend Black Americans’ civil rights “racist”? The column has undoubtedly provoked much gnashing of teeth and stiffening of necks. Not helpful, Leonard.

Also incendiary are all four political cartoons. Lisa Benson depicts Seattle as a cowardly appeaser for providing a temporary, rather small “autonomous zone” in which people aggrieved by injustice can get together, let off steam, and maybe come up with constructive ideas. Tim Campbell depicts NASCAR’s decision to repudiate the Confederate flag, an emblem almost as toxic as a swastika, as weak-kneed surrender. Joe Heller acknowledges justified anger over both George Floyd’s murder and mob violence, but suggests by omission that there are no peaceful demonstrators. Michael Ramirez clearly implies that everyone crying “defund the police” wants to simply abolish all policing; Wikipedia’s thoughtful analysis of that (foolish) slogan tells another story.

One oasis of reason is a comment by Kelly Courtright, who writes, “You won’t ever be able to stop opportunistic thugs from sneaking in among the law-abiding protesters until you first take actions that will make the law-abiding protesters never need to protest in the first place.” Well said.

Brian Keeling

Spokane

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.