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Strongly Support Both

The July 30 issue of the Courier includes two letters to the editor that merit comment, “A Thin Blue Line” by David Roberts and “Act of Petty Vandalism” by Douglas Clark.

First, the Black Lives Matter lawn signs referenced in Roberts’s letter are not at all directed at the Guilford Police Department, for which we have a great deal of respect and admiration. Rather, they are directed toward the discrimination, disrespect, and even violence to which Blacks are subjected by some members of our society. Second, putting up a lawn sign is a peaceful and legal means of protest, and is not the work of a “marauding mob.” In contrast, trespassing on private property to remove signs, referenced in Clark’s letter, is illegal.

On our street, the Black Lives Matter signs are still standing, but a “Science Matters” sign was stolen within a few hours of when it was put up. Our means of protest (lawn signs) is completely within the law, but some of the actions taken or recommended by some of our nation’s leaders and officials in other communities are not.

Finally, it is hard to imagine not having empathy for both Blacks and police. Both groups get up in the morning not knowing whether they will still be alive at the end of the day, one group just because of the color of their skin and the other because of the public-service profession they have chosen. I strongly support both groups.

Jenny Kelsey

Guilford