Letter: Library melee shows need to practice nonviolence

Posted on by Letters
Graphic by Lori Deaton

I agree with much of what Asheville native John Penley says in his letter, “Advice for Future Anarchist Events” [Aug. 7, Xpress]. I was not present at the gathering held at the West Asheville Library, but I suspect the truth of what occurred there was only partially depicted in the much-quoted livestream from Monica Buckley’s telephone camera.

I am a vocal and publicly active opponent to U.S. support of the genocide in Gaza. I have observed what seemed to me as Ms. Buckley’s strident but unsuccessful attempts to provoke argument as she moved aggressively among scores of pro-Palestinian rally participants assembled peacefully in Pack Square.

Much of the press about the chaos that erupted at the library is depicted as an antisemitic victimizing of those with an opposing viewpoint. This is an inaccurate spin. The melee that occurred was wrong. No matter how aggravating it may have been when Ms. Buckley continued livestreaming after being asked not to, it was her right to do so in a public space. A more skillful, nonviolent response to the conflict was needed.

In these deeply divided and perilous times, we all need to learn and practice skills that will defuse rather than escalate.

— Clare Hanrahan
Asheville

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5 thoughts on “Letter: Library melee shows need to practice nonviolence”

  1. WNC

    Yes Hamas and others in region have publicly stated their mission to eliminate the nation of Israel from the river to the sea.
    You can’t believe your eyes. Imagine what would have happened without the live stream.

  3. indy499

    The only part of your post that MIGHT be true is the you weren’t there part.

    If in fact you weren’t there, what you “suspect” is meaningless

    • John Penley

      Google Asheville Public Library assault on Jews and see how the whole world saw this even though none of them or the reporters were there. Great massive pro Zionist propaganda thanks to the organizers of this fiasco.

    • John Penley

      Thanks to the way this public space forum was handled by the organizers a hell of a lot more people saw this livestream all over world than would have seen it if it was handled differently. I also wonder since this commenter did not post with their name were you there yourself ?

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