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Letters to the Editor

SOAH responds to criticism of Rehoboth rally

Allan Slan
April 29, 2025
Michael Shockley, in his April 25 letter, voiced his displeasure at the permission given by the City of Rehoboth Beach for the rally at the Bandstand.  He opined that such permission should not be provided on holiday weekends. We at Speak Out Against Hate respect that concern but disagree with the conclusions he draws about the rally and its impact upon the city.  
 
On that same Saturday, local governments across the country extended the same permission for rallies to take place. It was Easter weekend and the end of Passover in each of those cities. The freedom to assemble and speak is one of the pillars of our democracy, and that holds true on any day of the week and on any holiday. 
 
Many of us attended the Rehoboth rally. Our recollection of the speakers' messages varies from that of Mr. Shockley.  Among others, the Rev. Vicki Gordy-Stith issued a message of peace and conciliation. Gov. Meyer invited those with varying opinions to engage in dialogue, and those messages were repeated by all who spoke. The rally and the messaging that took place were about saving our democracy, our rule of law, due process and equal protection. It is surprising that Mr. Shockley considers them to be the encouragement of hate.
 
SOAH is a nonpartisan, 501c3 Delaware corporation. We identify no enemies. We seek to denormalize the hatred in our community and country that continues to cause an ever-widening chasm amongst the citizenry.
 
While Mr. Shockley complains that the rally tamped down the opportunity for businesses to operate normally, it is hard to imagine that the rally – which drew hundreds of local residents into town – did anything but enhance business.
 
Mr. Shockley complains that Rehoboth doesn't need to be flooded with cars displaying bumper stickers like “Hate has no home here.”  Indeed, from SOAH's perspective, that is precisely what is needed at this time. On June 19, while helping to celebrate Juneteenth, SOAH will unveil a statewide initiative which will seek to have the windows and/or lawns of every home, office, place of business, government facility and house of worship display signs or banners that state exactly that about which Mr. Shockley complains: Hate has no home here. On or about May 1, please visit soah-de.org for information about this important community event and initiative. 
 
Allan Slan
Vice president and treasurer
Speak Out Against Hate 
 
 

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