To the Editor:

I write to you with sadness in my heart over the events that have transpired in Charlottesville, Virginia on Aug. 12. I, like many people, am aghast with the blatant display of racism and bigotry that took the life of Ms. Heather Heyer. During this time, it is of the upmost importance for citizens to refuse to remain morally neutral, and take a clear stance that any form of hate is both unacceptable and intolerable.

It is just not the responsibility of citizens, but our elected leaders to “take a stand” when events like the ones that occurred at the “Unite the Right” rally occur. I would like to express my vast disappointment in our State Representative, Susan Gifford, who after I reached out to her, asking if she planned to issue a statement condemning the violent events that took place this past Saturday, her representative declined on her behalf, citing she did not utilize social media.

When we and our leaders take neutral stances on such clear social justice issues, we enable those who propagate hate. In the words of J. K. Rowling, those who fail to denounce injustice “enable real monsters. For without ever committing an act of outright evil ourselves, we collude with it, through our own apathy.”

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristianna Fontes, LICSW