To whomever might be concerned:
I am not sure where to go with this, so I am sending this letter to the newspaper and the police station.
First off, I need to explain that I am a strong proponent of freedom of speech, press, assembly. I appreciate that there are many perspectives and opinions, and the open discussion is valuable. However, what I saw may be over the edge and more akin to yelling “fire!” in a movie theater.
I was in my front yard on the evening of July 31. A full-size pickup truck drove by with a long and empty 5th wheel trailer. There was a typical size 3’x5’ flag flying off the back of the pickup truck. Still nothing unusual until I recognized the flag to be a black swastika on a red background that had a black sideways cross. It took my breath away. That may have been the only intent of the driver- to cause shock and awe. I am still not so sure.
An openly proud expression of support for violent oppression of anyone who is not a white protestant is not a crime in itself. However, I wonder, if it inspires others to move from thought to action, does that constitute being an accessory? Beyond the criminal implications, should our Hastings community, where we rely so much on each other no matter what our backgrounds, politely look away and condone this display? Should we, as a community, agree that the sentiment behind the flag is too inflammatory and not appropriate for our community and not welcome? Is it too close to other things we find morally reprehensible like pedophilia?
I am not sure. I just could not stay silent.
Garrick Olsen
Hastings