Editor,
Carmel is a wonderful place to live. We’re proud of our community, and haven’t we felt immune to the kind of cowardly act of hate that, yes, recently happened right here, at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla? Without a hate crimes law, no community is protected from such acts. Not our churches, not our public spaces.
Let’s be clear: This is not simple vandalism. The Nazi symbols are a public affront. They poison all of us. But thanks to our current legislature, Indiana is one of only five states without legislation that addresses such acts of savagery.
Mike Delph, our current senator, has repeatedly opposed hate crime legislation. This is the year to elect representatives that will balance the Statehouse and break the hold of our single-party leadership, the party that has blocked protective hate crime legislation. Carmel neighbors, I am supporting J.D. Ford, a new voice for inclusive legislation, to replace Mike Delph and bring a fresh, smart, young voice to the Statehouse. Let’s make our votes count in November.
Beverly Thornburg, Carmel
