Members of a Missouri-based Ku Klux Klan chapter sent a chilling message in Ferguson claiming they will use “lethal force” to defend themselves from “terrorists masquerading as ‘peaceful protesters.’” The Traditionalist American Knights of the KKK distributed fliers saying protesters have “awakened a sleeping giant,” and that demonstrators have threatened the lives of law enforcement, the community and their families…. “You have been warned by the Ku Klux Klan!” the flier reads. “There will be consequences for your actions against the peaceful, law abiding citizens of Missouri.”
Let’s say you’re concerned about a conflagration potentially burning out of control. Do you
a) do what you could to control their fire and keep it contained, or
b) run down to the local Citgo, fill a five-gallon container with gasoline, and then proceed to liberally spread the gasoline over the flames?
I think most of us, being reasonable, sensitive souls, would choose option “a.” Then again, if everyone did that, I’d have nothing to write about, and this would devolved into a gardening blog. This means I should probably be grateful to the KKK…if only for the entertainment value represented by their latest misadventure.
Generally, most people would think it appropriate to tamp down a potentially volatile situation with kindness, diplomacy, and understanding. The KKK, never renowned for their calm, considered, and at-ease approach to problem-solving has decided to go with their usual bluster and promised to fight violence with violence. Even though the chances of those threats being backed up are about the same as the Chicago Cubs winning a World Series in my lifetime.
Because, you know, nothing combats violence more effectively than yet more violence, eh??
What will you tell YOUR children about where you were when the race war began?
