Dear Editor:

The hate and values expressed by Ku Klux Klan flyers distributed in Lincoln County communities should concern all of us. Hate groups may feel emboldened by recent political leaders’ comments supporting hate, racism and white supremacy. But hate doesn’t solve problems. Hate doesn’t help people overcome difficulties or enable them to thrive. Hate doesn’t strengthen communities. Instead it makes members of our communities feel unsafe. It makes goodhearted people feel unwelcome. And for those reasons I condemn white supremacist ideology.

I invite Lincoln County’s civic leaders and political officials to join me in saying hate is not the solution; discrimination against people merely because they are different is not acceptable here; and hate group activities are not welcome in our communities. I encourage civic leaders to inform their communities what local and state resources are available to anyone who does feel threatened.

Ours is a nation built on and strengthened by people from all countries, all religions, all colors, and all cultures who come here choosing to be Americans. They contribute their energies to our communities and our country. Together, we draw strength from living the values expressed in our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, and endowed with the same inalienable rights.

Let us join in publicly reaffirming those values and denouncing those who would spread division and hate. Let us instead embrace the variety in people of this Nation that brought us strength in our diversity, and in making a nation where all people of good will are welcome.

Chris Johnson

Chair, Lincoln County Democratic Committee

Somerville