chelsea guardian publication february 19 2021

2/18/2021

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John Deikis

2/21/2021 12:12:36 pm

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor:

I was quite surprised to read a letter to the editor in the February 19th Chelsea Guardian that appeared anonymously but signed by “Darcy J” on behalf of numerous concerned and fearful members of the Chelsea community. I am not proud to live in a community where people holding opposed civic, religious, or personal opinions need to fear for retaliation. However, publishing anonymous “letters to the editor” addressed to “whom it may concern” seems like pretty hacked journalism.

Mr. Darby J makes a number of points with which I agree and I support and appreciate the integrity of the Chelsea Police Department. I did find myself wincing at the peculiar spin he— or they— placed on news coverage of the issues arising from last summer’s demonstrations, the Black Lives Matter movement (research that suggests it could be a terrorist organization?), and the threat posed to the citizens of Chelsea by a peaceful, albeit illegal, demonstration of some teenagers and adults.

I have not been involved with ARCY or the Pierce Park demonstrators but I have never understood that their intention was to directly aid those discriminated against by what is increasingly recognized around the country as racially biased enforcement of legitimate laws. Their objective, it appeared to me, was to express their concern and their opinion regarding a civic issue that has become paramount in the United States over the past few years. Again, I do not condone flagrant disregard of sensible traffic laws that put others at risk.

The Chelsea Police Department has not found it necessary to photograph the recurrent Sunday noontime adult BLM demonstrators at Main and Middle Streets nor have I observed them surveilling the pro-Trump demonstrators at Main and Old US 12. But they decided they needed to do so with the marchers of last summer. These people felt intimidated and I can understand why. As to why demonstrators in cars and trucks driving down Main Street at the same time in apparent support of law enforcement felt intimidated by a crowd on foot, I do not understand.

Monthly, on the 2nd Saturday at 9:00 AM, the Chelsea Community Forum meets (on Zoom now) to openly dialogue (not debate) various sides of sometimes contentious issues. It has historically been moderated by a conservative citizen and a progressive. It is currently searching for an articulate conservative to co-moderate. I invite Mr. Darcy, or anyone else from the community, to step forward to take on this role or, at least, to log on to the forum’s meeting and express their opinions in a respectful and open manner. In the words of Mississippi roots rock crooner Paul Thorn, “Count to ten before you throw a stone; Whatever you believe, you might be wrong.”

Respectfully,
John Deikis

chelsea guardian publication february 19 2021

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