Counter hate with love

It appears the white supremacists might be coming to town to protest. If Lexington is indeed the next city to be thrust into the spotlight, I propose we take advantage of the opportunity.

The single most inspiring image to come out of Charlottesville, Va., was that of a black police officer protecting those who were there to hate him. I don’t have all the answers for facing a rally of hate. But I know a bigger, stronger rally of hate is not the answer.

I hope that our city can, in no uncertain terms, unequivocally condemn the actions of any white supremacist organization. Our mayor has done so, and I know virtually all of the good citizens of Lexington will follow in that condemnation. I hope this unified voice against racism will teach us afresh to value all human beings.

But I also hope that condemnation can shine through our love. Yes, even love of our enemies. An audience with a racist is an opportunity. A message of love is the only thing that will trump a message of hate.

This story was originally published August 17, 2017 at 7:35 PM with the headline "Counter hate with love."