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The “All Lives Matter” banner at the American Legion Post 19. — Photos by Donald Norton
By Donald Norton
American Legion Post 19 on Highland Avenue recently put up a new banner proclaiming “All Lives Matter” in response to the city’s “Black Lives Matter” banner that has been displayed outside City Hall for several months.
Mayor Curtatone made it clear little over a week ago that the banner would remain in place after police unions came to the city to ask him to take it down.
The Somerville Police Department also recently placed a banner outside their building that makes a statement in support of fallen officers in Texas.
An additional banner was placed at the entrance of City Hall expressing solidarity against violence and racism.
The banners have been the cause of much discussion, both pro and con, and the debate appears to be ongoing with no end in sight for the foreseeable future.
The “Black Lives Matter” and anti- violence and racism banners at City Hall.
The police remembrance banner at the Somerville Police Department.
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When the BLM movement began, I originally said and felt what many have said, that “All lives matter.”
While that is certainly true in the general sense, over time I have heard more about what BLM is about and now understand more that it isn’t about trying to exclude all others, but to emphasize in particular how black people have been treated with respect to the police and other racial issues.
Before people continue to declare that “all lives matter,” it would be better to learn more about BLM before taking any stance on the issue either way.
Ignorance of all the facts can make even well-intentioned statements worse.
I also agree with some who feel that public buildings should remain impartial and not become involved in these issues. Support for an issue should be shown through actions without the need for signs.
Transparency, open discussions and changes in our police and justice systems is what is needed, not simply displaying a sign. As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.”
If City Hall and any other public building wants to show support, I feel that is how it should be done instead of putting up banners and signs that not everyone who views them will agree with or understand.
Absolutely disgraceful. Some people are dumb as bricks, sad to say.
As an aside, I’d like to see some of these “All Lives Matter” characters try shouting this to a group of vegans – with fried chicken and whatnot on their breath.
Well, old white geezers will do what they do. Sad tho.