On Saturday, the day of the white nationalist march and terrorist attack in Charlottesville where counter-protestors were injured and Heather Heyer was murdered, newsman Dan Rather had this to say on his Facebook page.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
“What has unfolded in Charlottesville, Virginia today is a national tragedy fueled by bigotry, white nationalism, and home grown terrorism.
Freedom of speech is not a license for the incitement of violence. And the neo-Nazis and KKK members who gathered are anathema to everything this country should stand for.
For too long President Trump was silent. But when he did speak his refusal to call out the hatred for what it is, and his general message of false equivalence was disgusting and counterproductive. "This egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides, on many sides.” That's a dangerous misrepresentation of history from a politician who has bigotry as a large part of his base.
All decent Americans of all political persuasions cannot allow these actions to remain unchallenged - both the hatred on display in Charlottesville and the rhetoric of the President.”
His post has garnered over 250k likes. Since Saturday, Rather has posted several opinions/commentaries regarding the Charlottesville attack and the so-called president’s response. Here are excerpts from his subsequent posts in ascending order by date.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
“Perhaps we needed to see this hatred so raw. Perhaps we needed to see how easily our order can break down. Perhaps we needed to feel the empathy for those in our society who are subjected daily to racist taunts and actions. This is a moment for moral clarity as a nation. It is a time for everyone to line up and be counted, are you on the side of love or hate. The central question of the moment is will we pledge actions that do not only mitigate the crisis but lead to real and substantive change. The world is watching. History is watching. I hope we are up to the challenge. I think we are.”
Monday, August 14, 2017
“Finally. Finally. President Trump has spoken out, but his silence over the past two days says more than his words today.
America was hit by a terrorist attack. We have seen Nazis marching in our streets in torchlight parades with the infamous salute and the swastika abundantly presented. We have seen the kind of hatred that has torn this country apart in the past praised and encouraged. Mr. Trump has faced withering criticism for his failure to denounce Nazis and Klansmen, even from many in his own party. Viewed in this light, his statement today had the feeling of political defensiveness not moral clarity.
Where was the passion to fight homegrown terrorism? Where was the determination to root out hatred and prejudice? Where was the heartfelt assurances that all Americans have the right to live in a peaceful and tolerant nation?
We have heard the glee with which the President has called immigrants rapists and murders. We have seen him smile broadly as he denounces the press as enemies of America. We have seen his eyes sparkle as he dismisses our inner cities as depraved wastelands. I didn't see any of that conviction in his words today.”
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
“When it comes to choosing sides between Nazis, Klansmen and violent bigots on one side and an American institution our Founding Fathers enshrined in the First Amendment - a free and independent press - I know what side I choose. I am not sure about President Trump.
It defies reason to even write such a thing, but that must be considered a legitimate conclusion to draw from his latest tweet:
‘Made additional remarks on Charlottesville and realize once again that the #Fake News Media will never be satisfied...truly bad people!’
‘Truly bad people!’ The press, not the Nazis. And if there is any doubt for the headline writers and pundits who wondered whether Mr. Trump's belated, scripted aside read off of a teleprompter, was really a heartfelt apology, the emotionless phrase "additional remarks" should put that to rest.
I believe that most Americans will side with the best of American values rather than hate. I believe Mr. Trump's self-obsessed outrages will enrage more than they will inspire. We have seen hate rear its ugly head time and again in this nation's history. We were even founded amidst a spirit of bigotry. But the path towards justice has been strong, despite its twists and turns along the way. And much of that was due to a strong and determined press. We united to defeat Nazis once before. And we will do so again.”
Thank you, Dan Rather. Thank you for continuing to give this country hope and strength with calm and relentless resolve. You are what integrity looks like, and you are an American treasure.
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