Rep. Richard Littlefield: Hate has no place in our community

In light of the recent happenings in Laconia with hateful imagery scrawled onto picnic tables throughout the city, and the abhorrent letter sent to Clifton West Jr. that is circulating on Twitter right now, I want to take this time as a community-centered leader to share my feelings.

There is no place in our society for hate and those who have nothing better to do than live with vitriol and disgust in their hearts for the civility that keeps us centered.

White Supremacy groups like the KKK and the group who attacked Rep. Manny Espitia last year have been pushing their hate-filled message for decades in our country. What can we do about this?

From a free-will standpoint, absolutely nothing.

We can however take the time while our children are young to teach them that intolerance and hate for another doesn't make this life any easier or the promise of success any greater.

We can show our children through every action and interaction how easy it is to be tolerant of people with different lifestyle preferences and different skin colors.

We can be better people whether or not we are being a role model for the younger generation.

We can teach others that is OK to be different.

We can teach others about the promise love.

We can grab the hands of people of other ethnicities, genders, skin colors and tell them without blinking an eye that they are important, they are valid, they are an integral part of society and they are appreciated and wanted.

While we may not be able to stop the will of others, I stand with those affected in Laconia's Jewish community, every resident who believes in the power of love and understanding, as well as Clifton West Jr. and will do my part with my friends, family, neighbors and children to make sure that hate does not become normalized and encouraged in the city of Laconia or the state of New Hampshire.

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Richard Littlefield is the representative for District 5 in Laconia.

(2) comments

Calvin7477 Oct 13, 2022 1:35pm

Thank you Richard. Laconia and her surrounding communities are fortunate to have you serving. You have grown up to be a very impressive young man. Kudos to you and your mom who must have been a good influence.

xxcynicalromanticxx Oct 13, 2022 7:09am

Very well said Rich.

Literally, this community seems to be falling apart but we all should really be coming together. I live for the day the community can stand and come together. There isn't enough time in a day for hate. We gotta stand firm form what we believe, teach what is right. :)