There are billions of people living on Earth; for every person on this planet to have the same thought processes, values and beliefs is neither desirable and ultimately, impossible. Every person has a unique background which influences their thought processes, values and beliefs. Given the globalization of our world, it is now imperative that humanity's strength be in how we work together, not in how we bully and subjugate each other. In 2017, there are weapons available in government arsenals which are capable of mass destruction so horrible, we cannot even fathom the consequences; given this, it is imperative that the world engages in discussion and cooperation to solve disagreements.
Not having a firm stand against ideologies of hate and division such as fascism, and neo-nazism, means simply that we agree with the hatred and violence it breeds and infects our society with.
These ideologies of hate will only lead to acts of profound horror being inflicted unto the people. Let us recall what has been experienced during the reign of the Nazi government in the 1930s and '40s - this is an example of systematic abuse perpetrated by a democratically elected government. What happened recently in Charlottesville is extremely disturbing and people with loving and peaceful minds should denounce these negative forces in the strongest terms.
Standing up to evil is a task of conscience and heart.
Ines Mancin
Fort St. John
