To my friends in Toledo media:
.
Please do this city and me a favor and give no attention to the so-called Nazis.
The National Socialist Movement has scheduled an April 18 visit to Toledo. This appearance is to “celebrate” the 10-year anniversary of the last time they visited.
If you can remember, in the weeks leading up to their last visit in 2005, media acted as a promotional vehicle, with stories about the group getting the permit, where and when the rally would take place, etc. All that attention, which hate groups like these crave, made their march an event.
The worst part about this year’s planned visit is the timing. The group is coming on April 18, the same weekend as our newest, unofficial citywide holiday, 419 Day.
419 Day is April 19, or 4-19, and is a 24-hour period where residents are asked to show their love for Northwest Ohio, including on social media. This special day, bolstered in recent years by Instagramers, has caught on to the point where bars and local businesses are now planning events to help celebrate Toledo and all those living in the 419.
419 Day was created to show love and pride for our city. The last thing we need are front-page headlines of a repeat riot, inspired by a group of people who only hate.
Many organizations and groups hold rallies and protests daily in our city; rarely do they ever get extensive media coverage. So why would we give any attention to this group, whose only message is to hurt others?
We in the media choose whether to make hate groups coming to Toledo a news story. Last time that choice was made, look at what happened. This city was baited into events that led to neighborhood riots, injuries and destruction of police and news vehicles. As Jim and Lou’s was burnt to the ground, we wound up as a top story on the national news.
The Nazis won that day; the city of Toledo lost.
Here’s a twist on a famous riddle: If a small group of hatemongers marches in a city that ignores them, do they make a sound?
No.
This time, let’s not be trolled by the lowest pieces of s*** this country has ever known.
Let’s ignore stupidity and put the focus on love. Let’s choose to not give them any airtime or ink. Let’s not make it worth their time to ever step foot in this city again.
It’s been 10 years, and we are a different city. This time, let’s ignore them.
Jeremy Baumhower can be reached at jeremytheproducer@icloud.com or on Twitter at @jeremytheproduc.
