To the editor:
We all know who he is, the guy who posted a selfie with two AK-47-style semi-automatic rifles, the guy encouraging his acolytes to intimidate people of faith, the guy who has made some members of our community terrified and has done so as a PR stunt. He is pathetic and I choose not to amplify him.
Heather Bellow did her job: She reported in The Berkshire Eagle that he is a member of our community. Carole Owens did her job: She commented in The Berkshire Eagle on the possible impact on our community of his presence. Shaw Israel Izikson did his job: He covered the unfolding story for The Berkshire Edge. Each journalist was just doing her or his job, even when they risked threats to themselves, even when in doing so they may not have felt safe.
We only have a free press when there are people who are willing to report it, to write it, to comment on it, people who cannot and will not be intimidated.
We should all feel safe in the Berkshires. A lot of folks in positions of authority who are here to protect you are working hard to do just that. I have talked to many of them. We all should have each other’s backs.
We should amplify those who choose to engage in civic discourse and debate. We need that debate, not apathy. We need that debate, not fear and intimidation. Please, let your community police departments and leaders know if anyone tries to intimidate you into silence. Do it in real time. It may be a criminal violation of your civil rights.
Agree with your neighbors. Or don’t. Regardless, we should never allow them to be threatened, intimidated, or afraid.
The Berkshires have challenges. We can, and should, address those challenges. Together. Be a part of the solution. Shun those who would advocate violence for political ends. Without exception in the history of the world, such a path ends badly. We are better than that.
Patrick White
Stockbridge
Patrick White is a member of the Stockbridge Select Board.
