Serinus provides a service

Posted 12/18/24

We publicly commend Jason Victor Serinus for using his Leader column to educate our community about what’s been happening with the PT food co-op since summer. His column is a service to …

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Serinus provides a service

Posted

We publicly commend Jason Victor Serinus for using his Leader column to educate our community about what’s been happening with the PT food co-op since summer. His column is a service to community as is the voice and presence of every person who speaks up in favor of diversity, plurality, and generosity of spirit in our democracy. 

Tim Dies’ letter condemning Serinus spreads misinformation about Black Lives Matter. Dies repeats racist tropes that thoroughly disregard the truth and tragedy of George Floyd’s murder — remember, a jury found officer Chauvin guilty on all counts of Floyd’s murder and the US Supreme Court declined to consider Chauvin’s appeal. Dies also disregards countless race-related atrocities from slavery to present day that arise from hatred. 

Historically, when white people have acted out hatred against black people, their hatred is often fomented by misinformation/lies. In this way Dies’ letter is an act of harm. The Leader has a responsibility to uphold freedom of the press, represent community voices of all kinds, and monitor and comment upon any letters it prints that perpetuate known falsehoods.  

Perhaps Dies would like to enter into real conversation where listening and Iearning can take place, rather than blaming. If so, there are white folks throughout Jefferson County who can be a resource for him and for any others having a hard time accepting that we live in an increasingly diverse nation and community. Everyone benefits exponentially when those who seek to wield the power of ‘white’ over everyone else let go of those tropes and forms of racial and cultural oppression and open to a new day. 

In this season where joy is hailed far and wide –– May joy in humanity in all its cultures, forms, and expressions grow among us. Signed with sincerity and care. 

Judith-Kate Friedman, Gabe Van Lelyveld, Kathy Stevenson, Suzanne Wilson, Kiki Elfendahl

Port Townsend