America
There’s no equivalency between White Supremacists and those opposed them
Washington, DC (August 16, 2017) — Freedom of belief and freedom of expression are two of this nation’s founding principles that are most dear to us at the Hindu American Foundation. Our own organization is founded on the idea that pluralism of belief and mutual respect must be the cornerstones of an inclusive society in which all are afforded dignity.
What our country witnessed this past weekend in Charlottesville, violently illustrated that when it comes to the expression of hateful, intolerant, profoundly bigoted ideologies, accompanied by implicit and explicit violence, tolerance can reach its limits, and such words and actions must forcefully be repudiated and condemned.
To maintain and build a tolerant, pluralistic society, these forms of intolerance and exclusivism themselves cannot be tolerated. There is no place in American society for white supremacy, white nationalism, anti-Semitism, neo-Nazis, the KKK, or any ideology associated with these forms of ignorance and bigotry. If there was any doubt about the motivations of the march participants, documentary footage and interviews with march organizers from Vice News and broadcast by HBO, should leave no doubt: their goal is the creation of a white ethno-state from which all other races and ethnicities are purged, violently if necessary.
They must be called out as dangerous, hateful extremists.
While President Trump condemned the forces of white supremacy, neo-Nazis and the KKK by name on August 14, 2017, the Foundation, like most Americans, stands stunned and outraged that President Trump reverted yesterday to voicing a false moral equivalency between the values and actions of the groups participating in the Unite the Right rally and those of the brave individuals opposing them.
While President Trump condemned the forces of white supremacy, neo-Nazis and the KKK by name on August 14, 2017, the Foundation, like most Americans, stands stunned and outraged that President Trump reverted yesterday to voicing a false moral equivalency between the values and actions of the groups participating in the Unite the Right rally and those of the brave individuals opposing them.
Thankfully, all Americans are united today in their belief that President Trump's words crossed an important line of moral clarity, and he must right this grievous harm with actions, more than words, to bring this nation together.
HAF is first and foremost an organization for the Hindu American community. Each of us, if we truly believe in the principles of mutual respect, pluralism, equality, compassion, truth, and nonviolence, we must speak out against those individuals and groups who spread hatred, exclusivism, and intolerance.
Opposing bigotry and hate is not about liberal or conservative, left or right. It’s about right and wrong, and basic human decency.
16 hours ago
Arvind Crowned as the Winner of Star Singer Season 9 on Asianet
16 hours ago
Kerala bypolls: Sonia to accompany Priyanka in Wayanad for nomination filing
16 hours ago
Google Appoints Indian American Prabhakar Raghavan as Chief Technologist.
17 hours ago
US congratulates Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on taking office
17 hours ago
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lands in US after concluding Mexico visit
17 hours ago
AAPI’s 18th Global Healthcare Summit Focusses on Prevention Strategies for Cancer and Heart Attacks, Role of Lifestyle Changes, and the Integration of Technology into Healthcare
17 hours ago
Indian-Origin Representation Grows as Fifteen Candidates Secure Seats in British Columbia's Provincial Legislature
17 hours ago
Indian Diaspora Celebrates Diwali with Vibrant Festivities at New York's Times Square
18 hours ago
US Election: Trump visits McDonald's, Harris attends worship services
19 hours ago
Kerala ADM suicide: Court adjourns hearing on CPI(M) leader's anticipatory bail plea
19 hours ago
Celina Jaitly reflects on how her father was away on duty during Karwa Chauth
19 hours ago
Shahid Kapoor’s wife Mira celebrates Karwa Chauth with step mother-in-law
19 hours ago
Sobhita Dhulipala flags off wedding festivities with Naga Chaitanya with Pasupu Danchadam ceremony