I leave today for a 10 day trip to visit gardens in the South of England so I won't be demonstrating on Sunday in Berkeley. The question for me has been if I were here, would I participate? After letting this question marinate for several weeks, I decided a few days ago, I wouldn't march to the Park where the neo Nazi, white supremacists are holding a rally. The Berkeley mayor has urged people to stay away. The Berkeley City Council has given the mayor new powers to aid the police in keeping the public safety. The alt-right is itching for another violent confrontation. Our minister is still planning to lead a contingent from our church to the site, singing hymns and waving posters of love and justice. Am I afraid? Yes, I have to say I am. Do I feel there are other ways to protest? I do. I pray for the safety of our church group and all others who choose to participate in this latest Berkeley face-off. I am interested in the tension between First Amendment rights (Free Speech) and public safety. Such interesting times we live in!
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