Yesterday, Donald Trump defended Nazis and white supremacists that rallied in Charlottesville, Virginia under the chants of “Jews will not replace us,” “Black lives don’t matter here,” and “Heil Trump.” Just the day before, Trump revised his initial statement on Charlottesville and called Nazis, the KKK and white supremacists “repugnant.” Trump’s statement came two days after the death of Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal who was protesting against the White Nationalist Movement. Heyer was run over by a car driven by white supremacist James Alex Fields Jr, 20.
Deeming the media not satisfied with his new statement Trump reverted to his original statement that the violence was caused by “both sides.” Trump defended the “Unite The Right” rally claiming they were protecting their southern heritage.
However, it should not have to be pointed out that Nazi slogans and imagery have nothing to do with southern heritage. The only place Nazis have in the United States’ history is as enemies to our country. This should not be up for debate.
Despite Trump’s claims, “very fine people” do not march by torchlight to the chants of Nazi slogans such as “blood and soil,” and “Jews will not replace us.” Nazis marched by torchlight to chants of Nazi slogans. Trump’s statement that there were “very fine people” on both sides is to continue the support of the “alt-right” that includes some of his senior aides such as Steve Bannon and Steven Miller. However, despite their white polo shirts, khaki pants and attempt to seem more marketable than the Nazis and Klansmen of the past the “Alt-Right” is still the same vile white supremacists they always were; white supremacists that drove a car into a group of people killing Heyer and injuring 19 others.
Trump’s comments do nothing but encourage hate against the diversity of our country’s people that it prides itself on. Nothing but provide a platform for some of the vilest and most disgusting ideology the world has ever seen. Nothing but encourages further violence when it has already cost a life.
As the editor in chief of this publication that is run by a diverse staff of students; people of color, LGBTQ students, and people of various faiths, and serves a diverse student population, with Trump’s defense of Nazis and white nationalists I cannot tell my staff to simply write a tweet or another story. Our staff must take a stand against Trump and his racist remarks.
Trump’s actions are vile and indefensible leaving many of our staff both outraged and terrified. Criticism of his actions cannot be seen as simply partisan politics.
As editor in chief, this publication will not let this false equivalencies stand that suggest that protestors against hate must share equal blame for the hate and violence that is endorsed and encouraged by Nazis and white supremacists. Trump’s statement that “both sides” are to blame for the violence and his flip-flop from and back to it is a pathetic attempt to pander to those who encouraged and endorsed the violence and killing that took place in Charlottesville.
As long as Trump remains in office he will continue to pander to these very same Nazis and white supremacists. The reality of Trump’s administration can be found in Heyer’s last Facebook post.
“If you’re not outraged you’re not paying attention.”
SAConScene is paying attention, as it is our duty as journalists, and we are outraged by this complete denial of facts and reality. We will not stand by and be silent while the president defends this rhetoric of hatred and violence by Nazis and white supremacists. We stand with those protestors who stood against the hate and violence in Charlottesville. We stand for the diversity and equality that this country has been built on. We stand against the bigotry, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, fascism and gender inequality that have been championed by Donald Trump.
Cory Jaynes, Editor in Chief
On behalf of SAConScene
