08/11/18 Statement on Anniversary of Tragic Events in Charlottesville
Press Release: Joe Walton for Congress Statement on Anniversary of Tragic Events in Charlottesville
For Immediate Release: 08/11/2018
Joe Walton for Congress – VA 7th District
804-476-0768
press@joeforvirginia.com
Joe for Virginia Statement on Anniversary of Tragic Events in Charlottesville
There can be no false equivalencies with regard to racism, bigotry, and other hate- and fear-based ideologies.
Powhatan, Virginia: On this anniversary of the terrible events of Charlottesville one year ago (calling it merely ‘Charlottesville’ discredits the region) we think it is important to remember that government has a legitimate purpose to protect the individual and not condone or leave unchecked those who would seek to harm individuals and the public – specifically in this case Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, racists, and other hate- and fear-based ideologies.
We specifically reject these people and behavior and support efforts by local and state officials to protect the public square. Free speech has limits when it incites violence against others.
On this count, government missed the mark a year ago while local and state officials have hit the mark this year. We offer a big Thank You to proactive law enforcement and government agencies – starting with Governor Northam – for protecting the public from those who would incite hate and fear again this year!
The tragic deaths of Heather Heyer, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M. M. Bates are an example of the consequences of perversions of free speech used to incite violence.
About Joe for Virginia: Joe Walton is a candidate for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District and a proven accountable and effective leader in central Virginia. He is a sensible centrist with a genuine interest in working with constituents, leaders across the state, and federal peers to solve problems in Washington. He believes in and advocates for socially inclusive and fiscally responsible approaches to public policy. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree and is a Ph.D. student in Public Policy at VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
Learn more: Web: www.joeforvirginia.com | Twitter: @joeforvirginia | Facebook: @joeforvirginia
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Joe for Virginia
Joe Walton is a candidate for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District and former Chair of the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors with a record of accountable and effective leadership in central Virginia. He is a sensible centrist with a genuine interest in working with constituents, leaders across the state, and federal peers to solve problems in Washington. He believes in and advocates for socially inclusive and fiscally responsible approaches to public policy. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree and is a Ph.D. student in Public Policy at VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.