Editor:
I want to thank The New Era’s newest reporter Kelly Kenoyer and editor Scott Swanson for their very informative article regarding the Freedom Rally’s organizer, Jimy White.
In addition I am so grateful to the reader who brought the Facebook information to The New Era’s attention. It is very clear that the facts were thoroughly investigated and that the reporter had contacted Mr. White to clarify the posts for truthful and unbiased information.
While some of the posts were denied, it appeared that others he refused to discuss including the picture dated July 10 of Mr. Erickson and Mr. White with the “Black Lives Matter” banner and the picture of Adolf Hitler. If Mr. White had just met Mr. Erickson a week ago, it appears that he embraced his philosophy wholeheartedly.
My opinion is that the whole purpose of the Freedom Rallies was to gather the conservative people of Sweet Home to share his ideology.
In addition, I found the comments and background information on Mr. Erickson very enlightening. Hopefully, it will help the people of Sweet Home to recognize “hate speech” and to denounce that type of message from being spread in our wonderful community.
Yes, the First Amendment guarantees the right of free speech, but I would be shocked to believe that the people of Sweet Home want to listen to this form of free speech. It appears that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is aware of this type indoctrination amongst extreme right-wing organizations promoting Fascism which contributes to “racism against people based on the color of the skin, ethnic backgrounds and faith by segregation.”
I ask that the people of Sweet Home rally together to stand up to stop this from continuing either in person or by contacting the City Council, county commissioners, and police asking for their help to by sharing with them that “ No, we, as a community, don’t support this happening here.”
Also, thank you, Dan and Faye Barnes for sharing your insights on what was occurring and your willingness to confront this ugliness.
Dawn Shaver
Sweet Home