University of North Georgia, Dahlonega.
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
SEPT. 20, 2019 | The state of Georgia and the City of Dahlonega, in particular, dodged a bullet last weekend, when a highly-publicized protest rally fizzled into nothing. Georgians were for the most part smart enough to stay away from the rally, while the presence of an amazing volunteer army of 600 Georgia peace officers ensured the city remained calm.
Full credit must go to Sheriff Stacy Jarrard of Lumpkin County, who recognized the potentially explosive situation well in advance, and had the good sense to put out a call for help to his fellow law enforcement officials.
To everyone’s amazement, here came unannounced 600 lawmen from every level of enforcement in Georgia, from federal, state and city domains, offering to help out. Many of them were fully ready to serve in riot gear during this hotter Georgia summer.
Earlier an organizer had ballyhooed a pro-Trump rally in Dahlonega, anticipating white supremacists would come together in support of the president. Hate-based speakers were expected. But all this failed in advance, as the protester failed to apply for a permit to hold the rally. Still about 35 to 50 so-called “patriots” showed up on one side of the Dahlonega Public Square.
Jarrard
Another group, the anti-protesters, also came, estimated about 250 people, and were on the opposite side of the Square barricaded from the protesters. Between them were the law enforcement officers, determined that the two would not clash.
Out of all this advanced publicity, little happened during the tense two hours. The groups shouted at one another, and a few people were arrested. But calm was the major product of the day.
And the state of Georgia didn’t get the black eye that could have degenerated so easily into what happened a few months back in Charlottesville, Va., without the overwhelming presence of the lawmen.
Earlier in the week, the local weekly newspaper, The Dahlonega Nugget, wrote an editorial concerning the upcoming rally, primarily explaining the First Amendment. It said:
“We’re tempted to tell all those who would spread racism they’re not allowed within our city limits. We’re tempted to tell all counter protesters, who would only incite and add to the chaos, that they have to go elsewhere. We’re tempted to close up the square and hang a ‘No Protesting’ sign at the end of South Chestatee Street.”
Then the newspaper added:
“But then we remember: the First Amendment.
“Like our conscience, it reminds us, if you deny the bad, you also deny the good.
“If you prevent a demonstration you don’t agree with, then you lay the groundwork for preventing truly noble causes like the March on Washington and the Freedom Riders of the 1960s.
“Of course we should note that it’s the same First Amendment that allows us to freely denounce the toxic mix of thinly veiled racism, anti-Semitism and violent posturing that taints this event.
“It does not belong in Dahlonega.
“Hatred has no home here.
“And that’s why there’s a natural reflex to want to shut it all down. But it’s a uniquely American idea to ignore that reflex and allow it to proceed, all in the name of freedom.
“That’s why the City of Dahlonega isn’t preventing this. Even if they wanted to, they can’t.And ultimately that’s a good thing.”
Our hats off to Sheriff Stacy Jarrard, Nugget Editor Matt Aiken, lawmen from around the state and to the people of Lumpkin County for making Georgia proud of what could have been an explosive detrimental mark on our state.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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