This is a modified version of a message I sent out regarding a different group taking offense at me posting FBI and BJS statistics. Make of it what you will.
We all agree that what happened to George Floyd was a tragedy, and that the law enforcement officers involved needed to be investigated for their actions and charged if need be. And they have been. Justice was served on them.
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If people in [Group] are offended due to the fact that I used my right to free speech to speak a message backed by statistical fact, then it's fair that I am offended that this group has many people in support of a narrative that has led to large-scale illegality and violence - including murder, arson, property destruction, rioting, theft, looting and terror on the streets of the US.
These acts adversely impacted black communities by killing black citizens, destroying black businesses and furthered the aims of a domestic terror group.
I disavow and disassociate from anyone who supports these illegal riots, attempts to misrepresent them as merely protests when they are manifestly not, who would smear any and all police as thugs, thereby endangering good policemen, and smear any and all whites as racist - thereby demonising them and ultimately justifying harmful action against them. I too have been smeared as racist for disagreeing with the false narrative presented by these groups and individuals for speaking counter to it.
If [Group]'s leadership is happy to make a public statement along the lines outlined above, the exact wording to be determined, I will be happy to do a joint event. However, failing such a public statement, I cannot work alongside a group that has significant sympathies towards destructive riots, violent rioters and domestic terror groups.
Anyone who supports the US Constitution, the rule of law, peaceful protest and rejects toxic narratives should be willing to issue a statement establishing their position and disavowing support of such activity, discouraging it strongly among their membership, thereby making their position clear among their supporters.
I can not actively, knowingly pursue business interests with a group that has a significant number of its members supportive of the lawlessness that occurred this past week, or sympathetic to its perpetrators. That there is an angry reaction to statistics refuting various of their talking points is an indication of their leanings.
To do otherwise is to imply that I am 'wrong' and that they are 'right'. Since I am sure there is no mob pressure since these are peaceful, reasonable individuals, and thus no fear of speaking the facts freely, there should be no fear of caving to a mob in any respect.
I will not let my skills be transmitted to those who may use them for ill.
Regards
Lloyd
