Letter: Editorial let extremists off the hook on library

Please know that your Sept. 9 editorial concerning the increasing threats of violence in the suburbs was appreciated. But, to let Awake Illinois and their political ally Keith Pekau off the hook for their role in fomenting these threats is disingenuous.

Though their inflammatory language is phrased just vague enough for plausible deniability when violence occurs, their demonization of groups and individuals is plainly linked to the resulting chaos.

It is not a coincidence that these rising instances of far right violence are happening to those who are the subjects of their incendiary rhetoric.

It's not a coincidence that members of the violent extremists Proud Boys are present at many of these incidents.

It's not a coincidence that increased police protection is required for those targeted by Awake, Pekau, and their ilk.

So, though it's encouraging that you state that their "fundamental intolerance concerns us deeply," it's a disservice to your readers to not inform them of the clear connection between those spewing intolerance and those acting on it in our own backyard.

Jerry Freda

Inverness