Leaders defy labels and stand up for what's right

Here's something simple ...

When a bully is on a playground terrorizing other children and a bystander stands up to defend the bullied child, no one would think to suggest that there should be any blame for the bystander for doing what is right.

Why? Because standing up and speaking out against people inflicting pain or spouting off hate speech is the right thing to do. I know this example is simplistic, but maybe breaking it down to something as simple as this will finally make the message fall on ears that still need to listen.

To suggest that blame be on both sides or to not defend individuals standing up for what is right is shameful and disgusting. Using terms like "alt-left" and "alt-right" is rhetoric used to normalize behavior. What is happening should not be normalized.

Defending kindness and promoting equality should not be an "alt-left" principle. It's supporting basic human rights. It's being a decent human being. Throwing a Nazi rally and supporting extremist views shouldn't be called "alt-right." It's terrorism.

Suggesting that both sides are to blame is not only wholly incorrect and disgusting, it's a distraction tactic.

Stand up for what is right. Use your voice and speak up to defend others.

Be kind.

Most importantly, be a leader. Be a leader even when those who are in positions of leadership fail to be one themselves.

Nicole Wilmet

Lakeview