Cheryl Russell 9:38 a.m.
Monday, May 17, 2021 9:38 am

A front-page headline and story appeared Sunday in the Foster's Daily Democrat stating the group who convinced the City of Dover to pay for signs to be displayed in the community and visually containing clenched fists and the words "hate has no home here" is "disheartened by opposition" to the "hate has no place" campaign. They wonder why there is opposition by some citizens.

Wherever hatred or bigotry or racism or intolerance exist, they must be rooted out. Please allow me to provide my explanation reflecting ethical and honest values while exposing existing hypocrisy. I am quite certain that while the issue at hand is reported as a Dover matter, it more than likely exists in all communities. The topic of this opinion letter is the conduct of our elected leadership.

Upon reading that headline story in the Foster's Daily Democrat, it became readily apparent to me that elected leadership is cloaking goals and political agendas in contradictory language and actions. If we do not pay close attention to the statements, true goals, and political agenda of our elected leaders then our community is in danger. The story reported as a Dover issue is a nationwide "hate has no place" political campaign. The "hate has no home" slogan is a rallying cry of the progressive left along with systemic racism, white privilege, and equity.

Elected leaders of our community must not shroud their goals, objectives and motives in contradictory language and actions. National events and movements impact the local level. We all possess the power to impact the character of our country with our words, actions, and deeds at the local level. Political and social points of view should not be hidden behind a shroud of hypocrisy by our elected leaders no matter what they may be - liberal, progressive, conservative, or libertarian.

In that headline story in the Foster's, the columnist stated that the initiative "quickly turned political". NEWS FLASH! The intent of City Counselor Muffett-Lipinski, as evidenced by her own words, were political from the get-go. She is quoted as stating that the campaign message behind the signs was "already out there" and could encompass a variety of local issues like the return to school, the Dover School Board Budget and staff cuts, as well as larger national movements like Stop Asian Hate and Black Lives Matter. If those "local issues" are not political in nature--then NOTHING can be so characterized.

When leaders of the community cloak their true objectives with such hypocritical language as has Councilor Muffett-Lipinski, why would anyone with a brain not recognize that factually this is a far-left political initiative slipped under the radar in a deceitful manner?

The VISUAL political symbolism of the "hate has no home" signs reflect socialist beliefs of far-left groups. These signs do not promote or send a positive message. They are akin to accusing people of possessing white privilege simply because of the color of their skin. Undoubtedly, the signs are intended to send a political message. That VISUAL message, as Counselor Muffett-Lipinski stated, supports the Black Lives Matters group (founded by trained Marxists) which supported and promoted violence in our country.

Most assuredly racism, bigotry, and hatred should be rooted out wherever it may exist. Positive and HONEST messaging changes the hearts and minds of people. Political symbolism of a far-left Marxist group exhibiting Marxist symbolism of clenched fists does not belong in any city.

Hidden agendas may include white privilege; systemic racism; equity versus equality; wearing of masks; opening our schools; Project 1619; recognition of native Americans being the original landowners; border security and immigration; Federal payments to individuals; and Federalization of Constitutionally granted State voting laws. The hidden agendas of elected leaders must be uncovered and exposed to allow for honest discussion and compromise which may be denied under the shroud of hypocritical propaganda.

Cheryl Russell is a former high school teacher and 30-year employee with the U.S. Department of the Treasury who writes op-ed pieces for The Rochester Voice. She lives in Dover.