Letter: There is a solution to violence at City Plaza
Published: 12-31-2024 7:00 AM |
I don’t think the continued violence at the City Plaza visited upon the Satanic Temple display will end until steps are taken to avoid what’s causing the controversy in the first place. The real issue is, can the city continue to allow the alternative displays that Christians see as insulting to their religion if violence is the result? Given how things have gone recently I would say no, it is not going to stop. There are some people who are going to take offence at seeing Baphomet in the same space as the creche and may be inclined to repeat an assault against religious images they don’t agree with. Yet, Concord says it is inclusive, so what to do?
Matt St. Onge has a good suggestion to have the sponsoring organizations voluntarily move the various displays to other locations such as a church or the State House. But nobody will do that if the others don’t move too. I think if Concord is truly an inclusive, tolerant community then there should be room at the inn for everybody. If the City Council can’t provide a safe space for other viewpoints on the Plaza then please just stop allowing all unattended displays and leave the tree. The problem will go away. Do you really need a creche or a Bill of Rights or a Baphomet to feel the season? Isn’t a beautifully decorated holiday tree enough for people to gather around and feel the real reason for the season, the solstice?
Jack Shields
Penacook