I’m concerned that a commentary by Stu Lindberg, “GOP chair needs help from advocates of conservatism and patriotism,” on Nov. 5 was allowed to be published, including his statements as fact which were not fact.
Mr. Lindberg wrote “Sexton organized a peaceful rally in Montpelier last summer [07-25-2020]. It was peaceful until a group, identifying themselves as antifa, appeared and attacked the rally’s participants. No one in power condemned the violence.”
The event in support of law enforcement brought protesters in support of Black Lives Matter –— no evidence of “antifa” involvement. There was no physical attack. No one in power condemned the violence because there was no violence. There was nose-to-nose yelling. There was name-calling (the event made it to national news because an attendee was filmed shouting “Black lives don’t f****** matter to me”). There was tension. None of it enough for any police intervention.
I am disappointed VTDigger allowed the commentary to go out containing clear falsehoods. Giving voice to differing opinions (a good thing) does not require, nor should it allow, the proliferation of misinformation (a bad thing). Commentaries should not be a vehicle for misinformation.
Below are the facts as reported at the time; I can find no reporting on the matter since that would support Mr. Lindberg’s asserstions.
- https://vtdigger.org/2020/07/25/demonstrators-clash-at-montpelier-pro-police-rally/
- https://www.timesargus.com/news/local/law-enforcement-rally-turns-ugly/article_f9e34e41-6f4a-5c57-a83f-9482d4013d70.html
- https://www.vpr.org/vpr-news/2020-07-25/rally-in-support-of-police-draws-counter-protests-for-racial-justice-and-reform
- https://www.wcax.com/2020/07/26/rally-in-montpelier-in-support-of-law-enforcement/
- https://www.newsweek.com/white-woman-yells-black-lives-dont-fing-matter-outside-vermont-state-house-1520749
- https://www.wcax.com/2020/07/27/the-fallout-from-a-fiery-clash-between-protesters-at-the-statehouse/
Keiko Williams
Jericho
