It was with great disappointment that I read your editorial "Bundle of protests" (SN 4/12) regarding anti-Nazi protesters. Although I agree we all have a right to free speech, even the Nazis, I take exception to the encouragement the editorial gave to a group of people who have been involved in violence at other events confronting the Nazis.
Lansing Coalition Against Nazis members have stated publicly that they do not believe that the Nazis have a right to free speech, and they will do what is necessary to silence them. In Toledo, this focus on silencing the Nazis likely contributed to the riots in December.
And opposition which turns to violence and riots provides the Nazis with ample ammunition to recruit more members to their sick ideology. The Nazis will use violent protests against them on their Web sites and at meetings to show those who are on the edge why it is important to join them. So in effect, groups like Lansing Coalition Against Nazis are doing nothing but aiding and abetting Nazi recruitment efforts.
In addition, experts from the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League, both of which track and monitor hate groups in the country, say the best response to the Nazis is to leave them wandering at their rally location without an audience.
In other words, ignore them. Leave them on the steps of the Capitol to spew their hatred, but join in constructive community-building events like the city of Lansing's diversity celebration, BRIGHT's silent demonstration or Sunsets with Shakespeare's production of "Dear Esther," a holocaust-themed play. If you are really motivated, you could consider taking your friends and family to the Adopt-A-River event that morning and help take the literal trash out of Lansing. Do not give the Nazis another recruiting tool.
The Nazis seek to divide us in order to conquer us. But if we, as a community, rise to this challenge by showing our unity, the Nazis have failed in their goals, and their message will look weak and pathetic in comparison to the message of unity in our community.
Todd A. Heywood
Sunsets with Shakespeare artistic director
