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Dear Little,

This has been sitting in my drafts folder since you were 5.  I feel this is just as valid today as it was in 2017. I’m so, so sorry we’re still here, but now that you’re 12, and have had quite a few run ins with weaponizing the KKK, including a former school board member accusing our teachers and supporters of being part of the hate group for standing up in support of RSU 21 educators. It’s going to be worse before it gets better. Keep standing up for others and keep standing with those who need support.

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You turned 5 yesterday. I wanted to write about all the changes you’ve made, the places you might go, and how I can’t believe you are a full blown kid.

But.

More importantly than that, I feel it’s more important to talk to you about standing up to bullies.

That if a group of people are holding torches and supported by the KKK, waving Nazi flags and beating up people that look out think differently than they do, I hope you stand solidly on the side that is NOT that.

There is no “but.” There is no “they have a good point.” There is no “on both sides.”

There is something about finding a middle ground in many cases… Unless the circumstances involve a group of people marching with torches intending to harm or threaten another group of people, supported by the KKK, then there is absolutely no middle ground. You should stand solidly on the side that is not supported by the KKK.

There is a fallacy of false equivalencies. If you are against the KKK or any other hate group, then you aren’t the opposite. You are a decent human being. Be careful that you don’t stand up for what’s right because you are afraid to be seen as equally bad. You’re not.

People might call you terrible things for standing on the side of right. Don’t burn things to the ground. Don’t instigate violence. But if someone is hurting you or someone you love, there is no equivalent. You help. You help. You help. You stand in front of those who cannot defend themselves or are too tired to fight any longer for as long as you possibly can.

You are 5 as of yesterday. It’s 2017 and I cant believe I have to send a message to future you about the KK fucking K.

I love you.