No, violence isn’t the way to respond to hate groups

Congratulations on publishing Peter Singer’s rational and unbiased viewpoint. Like most Americans, I abhor the white supremacists and neo-nazis on the right. However, when leftist groups such as Antifa also use violence and disgusting tactics like throwing bottles of urine at their opponents, it doesn’t engender any respect for their organization either.

When looking back at all that was accomplished for the cause of civil rights through peaceful demonstrations, it befuddles me why violence has been introduced into the picture recently. Singer points out that the Nazis in Germany actually came to political power partially because of the lack of respect for law and order demonstrated by those on the left.

This brings me to Ved Nanda’s column on the partitioning of India. His final sentence should be a reminder to both sides: “I firmly believe that human beings must not turn into animals.” Diane Church, Grand Lake

I believe Professor Peter Singer is correct in surmising that conflicting views cannot be settled by the kind of violence displayed in Charlottesville, Va. Popular opinion is more easily won by the courage to confront hatred peacefully yet stubbornly, and it is that opinion we need to win. Far-left violence deteriorates a badly needed position in American eyes.

However, when Singer writes that “It remains true that in the United States, and other countries where elections are the path to power, the far right can achieve its goals only by winning over middle-of-the-road voters,” he is missing the bigger point: The right has prevailed mainly by years of gerrymandering, voter ID laws, outright tossing out of valid votes and other means of disenfranchisement.

This led to an emboldened far-right and an underrepresented left. The stark divisions we face can be repaired, but only by a more courageous Congress.

Richard Willhite, Grand Junction