At the same time that the Toledo Community Coalition is making positive efforts to address diversity and racial equity with The Blade’s support, The Blade has moved in the opposite direction. Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc., which supports the coalition, is disappointed in The Blade’s decision to invite and contract with Ted Nugent to perform at the Northwest Ohio Rib-Off.
Mr. Nugent’s remarks about President Obama are racist and repulsive. The Blade’s decision to provide a platform for Mr. Nugent and what he has come to represent is a step backward for people who want to create a better Toledo.
To claim that this is a matter of free speech is absurd. The Blade should not provide Mr. Nugent a platform and financial support for his harmful expressions while participating in the coalition’s efforts to bring about a more inclusive community.
ABLE encourages others to join the efforts of the Toledo Community Coalition, the NAACP, and other groups that work toward a better Toledo. We hope The Blade re-commits to these efforts in the future. Actions will speak louder than words.
JOSEPH TAFELSKI
Executive Director Advocates for BasicLegal Equality Inc. Jefferson Avenue
Offensive words, ribs don’t mix
Delicious barbecue, crafts for children, and a racist demagogue. If The Blade insists on going through with Mr. Nugent’s Rib-Off appearance, its annual festival will feature all three.
By paying for Mr. Nugent’s appearance, The Blade is effectively rewarding his unhinged extremism.
On July 21, leaders of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe announced that they were canceling Mr. Nugent’s scheduled concert at their Idaho casino because of his racist and hate-filled remarks.
The Blade should join the tribe and cancel Mr. Nugent’s Toledo appearance. Ribs should come with a nice side of coleslaw, not bigotry.
JOSH HORWITZ
Executive Director Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Washington
Rest of story: Nugent apologized
In response to the July 20 Readers’ Forum letter “Event’s not about Nugent, it’s about region”: Mr. Nugent, after he was disrespectful to the President, apologized on the Washington Post Web site.
How can the truth be served when only a portion of an event is recounted? Judging a person’s motives is God’s job.
PENNY TAYLOR
Weston, Ohio
First Published July 28, 2014, 4:00 a.m.
