What kind of a forest are we? We are not a forest, we are a community, but we can learn some lessons from forests.
The white supremacists want us to be a monoculture. A monoculture in forestry means a forest containing one species of tree, almost always because man has planted one species to be harvested later. For example, white pine or spruce for lumber, and hybrid popular for pulp.
But while the reasons for creating monocultures seem logical, there are drawbacks. Forests of one species are susceptible to disease and insect infestations.
When North America was first being colonized, there were forests of tall and strong trees called American Chestnuts. They were almost completely wiped out by disease. Elm trees once were dominant but have become insignificant by disease. Monocultures are less able to withstand drought (economic recession). Have you ever seen a desert monoculture?
Currently our community is not a monoculture. We have more than two dozen peoples of different race and ethnic backgrounds. What would we be like if we listened to the white supremacists? If we practiced ethnic cleansing and racial purification? We would be a monoculture. No Asian restaurants. No Mexican or Italian foods. And no Margaritas. Or gourmet cooking.
The sickness of authoritarian political correctness would be upon us. And how would it be accomplished? Through oppressive government that cannot restrain itself from seeking absolute power and authority. Welcome to the world of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Mao and Matt Hale. We would become Matt Hale’s surrogates and pawns in his chess game.
What kind of a forest are we? What kind of a community are we? What kind do we want to be?
A forest of mixed species is healthier and stronger. A community of variety and diversity is healthier and stronger — socially, mentally, physically and economically.
The outsiders can say what they want. And we can see through their hatred and say what we want: We are great because of our immigrant past and our immigrant future and we want variety and diversity because we like it and need it.
Brad Sherwood, Auburn
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