Mentioning BLM and Affirmative Action was not intended as a distraction, but rather, to explain possible motivations of White extremist demonstrators. Understanding motivation can be a step towards changing perceptions, and then actions, of demonstrators.

It was certainly not intended as a justification. But it is much too simplistic to simply say that the demonstrators are "solely racists. Period." They got that way somehow. They weren't born as racists. They received instruction; they had certain experiences. If we can understand their motivation, perhaps we can change attitudes.

For example, the practice of Affirmative Action is not nearly as pervasive as it was a few decades ago. Perhaps the demonstrators do not realize this, and education of the facts might modify their actions.

I began this thread to express my concern about seeing the mass torchlight demonstration that was reminiscent of Hitler's Brown Shirt marches in 1930s Germany. I never expected to see such a demonstration in the United States.

I also hoped to see some responses that offered thoughts on how to counter the apparent increase in neo-Nazi participation in our country. I have been disappointed.

So far, the thread has been effectively hijacked by a dialogue between Don Baldwin, who posts statistics and opinions that express a frank opinion regarding the difference in intellectual achievement between the races, and Chi-Town whose constant mantra is that those who express opinions contrary to his are racist. This generates much heat, but no light, as it is simply an argument, with no solutions suggested.

Beyond that, of course is the sniping of the TDS Troll, whose posts I disregard as irrational and inconsequential.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how to de-escalate and avoid conflicts between groups such as we have seen in Charlottesville this week?


Carl in Tampa