Dear Editor,
I read with interest several Letters to the Editor published recently regarding BLM as the HMHS junior class fundraising choice and agree with some of their sentiments, like where they echoed the assertions in my Dec. 1 letter which stated, “We should be proud of our HMHS students for pursuing social justice…”
Many of the other claims, however, are troubling.
One writer touted a study finding that more than 93% of BLM’s 2020 protests have been non-violent, as if a mere 7 percent violence rate is praiseworthy.
Any rate above zero is unacceptable.
Perhaps if there had been 14 demonstrations and one of those turned violent, then that 7% could arguably be an anomaly.
But the study documents “over 7,750 demonstrations linked to the BLM movement.” A 7% violence rate means that approximately 542 demonstrations were violent. It’s troubling to hear an articulate defender of BLM tout the fact that BLM is responsible for only 542 violent demonstrations – as if this was a positive reflection on the organization.
Another writer states he is “not surprised to see young people lead. History teaches us that social change has always involved young leaders determined to create a just society,” followed by, “Similarly, I am not surprised at the swift resistance expressed by some Haddonfield parents and students,” before noting that 60% of Americans in a 1963 survey didn’t support MLK’s March on Washington.
The piece is crafted cleverly, flowing from “social change” to “resistance” – casually leading the reader to believe that those who oppose BLM also resist social change, when their resistance is actually to BLM. It then transitions to reference lack of support for MLK’s 1963 march. Resistance to BLM – which hides behind the veil of social justice while routinely promoting violence – does not equate to resistance to MLK’s march, which was carried out as a peaceful demonstration. Would MLK, who is revered because he protested both peacefully and effectively, approve of BLM’s violent tactics?
Many are fearful to speak out against BLM for fear of being attacked, but as of the time of this writing, I’d received 47 unsolicited messages of support and agreement – many from people I’d never even met – regarding my previous letter opposing BLM. It’s unfashionable to oppose BLM these days, but if you truly want to effect positive change, as opposed to merely be fashionable, then speak up, and know you’re not alone.
Chris Maynes
