Brolley: There Aren't 'Many Sides' When It Comes To Hate Groups

Like most Americans, I watched the events unfolding in Charlottesville, Virginia with a mix of sadness, frustration, and anger. It was a telling reminder that for all of the progress we have made over the years, there are still those who will try to use hate to divide us. And those emotions only grew as President Trump failed to denounce the Nazis and white supremacists who inflicted the hate and violence.

As I visit with people across our community, I’m amazed at the compassion and dedication that citizens show to their families, their communities, and their nation. In so many ways they live up to the ideals of this nation every day.

To be very clear: there are not “many sides” here. There is the side of America with most Americans, and there is the side of hatred, violence and white supremacy. I know on which side I stand. I will not stand with anyone who stands with the other side or even anyone who tries to blur the line between the two.

Because when the President makes excuses and tries to justify the hate and violence, it demeans the good name of so many Americans. It’s wrong. But too many in his own party go right along with the President. They think they can oppose hatred without opposing the man who gives aid and comfort to hate groups.

Congressman Hultgren is no exception. All he could muster in the face of this national tragedy was that he “expects” Trump to condemn white supremacists. But what happens when he doesn’t? What is Congressman Hultgren going to do beyond words?

My fear is that like so many times before, Congressman Hultgren will do nothing. So far, Congressman Hultgren has been nothing but a willing accomplice for Donald Trump.

Trump insults a Gold Star family and admits to sexually assaulting women? Congressman Hultgren still supports his election. Trump fires the FBI director? Congressman Hultgren calls it “concerning” but still sides with Trump.

Trump pushed a health care bill so terrible that even Republicans couldn’t justify it. It would have caused millions to lose their coverage, forced seniors to pay thousands more and allowed insurance companies deny people with pre-existing conditions. Congressman Hultgren voted for it.

At some point, Congressman Hultgren, words are not enough. You need to stand against this man or you are supporting the very views and policies he supports.

This is a letter to the editor submitted by Montgomery Village President Matt Brolley.