I write in response to Bethany Sousa Foster’s letter last week (“Yes I’m anti-fascist …Who isn’t anti-fascist?”)

But what is AntiFa? Historically known as the “communist party” of Germany, today it has a new definition — frequently connected to acts of domestic terrorism, vandalism, and riots in major metropolitan areas. This is frequently denied by its supporters.

But if not an actual “shadowy terrorist organization,” then who creates and sets up the contact lists? Coordinates the logistics? Sends invitations, coordinates the out-of-state transportation, and provides the rental trucks? Designs, orders, and distributes the signs? Drops bricks and provides glass cutters? Buys water bottles, freezes, and distributes them? Pays bail for hundreds of vandals across the country? Teaches brutal tactics of destroying millions of dollars of both public and private property?

These same headlines have affected local public safety this past June, as an ‘Organized Attack on Our Community’ hit our capital city — with a riot leading to nearly 70 arrests, 8 to 10 injured police officers, and a squad car being set on fire.

Who are the “fascists” AntiFa fights today? Is it our law enforcement and first-responders? Our men and women in uniform (such as the National Guard sent to cities across the nation under siege from protests that become violent riots)? Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who do their job to uphold our immigration laws? Or is this today’s answer to political disagreement and even our nation’s history?

Yes, we all support anti-fascism. Characters like Wonder Woman, Captain America, and Indiana Jones all fought against the brutal Axis powers and defended freedom during World War II. Like many, I am proud that my grandfather also served in World War II as a Naval officer in the Eastern theater.

But does being anti-fascist mean you support the ruthless tactics of the organization AntiFa, or the targets they label as “fascist” today?

To quote Wonder Woman in her 2017 movie: “It’s not about deserve, it’s about what you believe.” We the people deserve to know what supporters of the organization AntiFa truly believe — especially before casting a ballot this November.

Will Sousa Grapentine
Bristol

Mr. Grapentine is vice chairman of the Bristol Republican Town Committee.