Re: March against neo-Nazis tomorrow, Flash news, November 8, 2005
We hear too many excuses about people holding repugnant views (and acting on them). And yes, no place is free from dangers.
I have been physically attacked in Bratislava for having the immutable trait of a different skin colour. Just as there are some evil people in Slovakia (and elsewhere), there are some very good people, too.
When I was attacked some Slovak women helped and comforted me. They showed me the goodness of many of the Slovak people. Their kindness prevented me holding deep resentment for the Slovak people.
Nevertheless, we must hold those who commit such attacks accountable for their beliefs and actions. We must condemn them without qualification. There are many people who are marginalized and are in poverty, but they do not resort to beating and killing people. Under-standing what motivates them is not as important as punishing them for their actions, nothing more, nothing less. People who do heinous things should receive their just desserts.
California, USA
