To the editor:

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” - George Orwell.

One of the best indications that someone has lost an argument is when they resort to ad hominem attacks. “Racism printed on this page every week” was the title of the article. Sadly, it happens all too frequently, and it doesn’t seem to matter how sincere and respectful one tries to be, it is only a matter of time before the despicable tactic of insinuating “racism” is trotted out in an attempt to silence any opposition.

In the aforementioned article, the author stated, among other things: “Any argument of that fact is rooted in racist attitudes and must be challenged.” This comment was referring to the author’s numbers on how frequently Black Americans are killed by police. Now, how can anyone expect to have an intelligent conversation after such an inflammatory comment is made? According to the author, by simply arguing against her use of data, one is steeped in racist attitudes. What? Where does this anti-truth seeking mindset come from? Unfortunately, we hear it far too often. If anyone dares to push back on any narrative related to race, then you risk being labeled a racist - Silence! How dare you think for yourself. Bend the knee, and do it now! We do not tolerate dissent.

“Somethings are believed because they are demonstrably true, but many other things are believed simply because they have been asserted repeatedly.” - Thomas Sowell.

We all use data to try and support our arguments, but it is important that we use such data appropriately. To conclude that the police are racist, based solely on the fact that outcomes do not perfectly mirror the demographics of society at large, is a non-sequitur. Could it be the result of racist police? Absolutely, it’s possible, but you need to demonstrate such, it is not sufficient to simply assert such a conclusion. For example, males account for approximately 96 percent of police shootings, yet they account for only 50 percent of the population, therefore the police are sexist, Q.E.D. This is clearly ridiculous. Instead of sexist cops, is it possible that a better explanation might have something to do with the fact that males commit roughly 90 percent of violent crime?

Finally, as we strive to try and understand one another, it is important to take a look at some of our core beliefs. Nations are not perfect, but why would they be? After all, they are made up of imperfect beings called man, some of whom lie, cheat, steal, betray, murder, and yes, act upon their racist beliefs. This is not unique to the United States, such is the case all over the world. However, just because there are racists in this country, does not necessarily mean we are a systemically racist country, state, or even town. For some, and perhaps this is where our views diverge, they see nearly everything about our country, its systems, institutions, society, etc. as oppressive and racist. They seem to have a deep loathing for our nation; if you observe their protests, rarely, if ever, will you see anyone waving an American flag. I could be wrong, but that is how it looks to me. On the other side, we readily acknowledge our nation’s faults and recognize our historical failings, but just as a parent loves their child despite his imperfections, so too do we love our country and are not ashamed to wave our flag. We don’t compare America to utopia, where it will surely fall short, instead we compare it to other nations, who have their faults as well, and when we do this, we are grateful, because we recognize how blessed we are to live in the greatest country on Earth.

Matthew Fletcher

Barrington