Started by Eden Rose
Jul 1, 2020

For those unaware, there is currently an investigation into a Lopez resident for actions he took while in position of public agency. A photo was leaked of him flashing a 3% gang sign (very similar to the white power gang sign) while he was posing for the photo with other emergency service providers. It is not acceptable for an agent of the state to flash any political signs while serving. It’s not acceptable from school teachers in class photos, it’s not acceptable from military folks, it’s not acceptable from law enforcement, etc.

If you are concerned about racism and would like to address it locally, feel free to email fire district 4 and ask them to address this issue by removing the man from this position. It does not make people feel safe to call EMS or anyone else for help.

Email Phil Paige: ppaige2000@aol.com

Anti-racism means getting racism out of positions of public authority.

Comment by Julienne Battalia
Mar 3, 2021

The Guardian News Paper had an article today on the 3% Militia Group:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/03/us-militia-membership-military-police-american-patriot-three-percenter-website-leak

Comment by Dean Hoshizaki
Mar 1, 2021

Adding.

I would agree this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Using a public position, facilities or resources to represent something that in contrary to the mission. The public should be engaged and resolving this issue should be a no brainer*

My post was about the larger issue and was not intended to "belittle" this issue. ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Feb 27, 2021

Aside from the “patriots” killing police officers and threatening the Capitol building, and the relevance of these issues today, militia group members may or may not be “racist.” It’s hard to say if confederate apologists create problems for people. There have been numerous similar issues across the country recently, with militia members being cal ... Read All

Comment by Dean Hoshizaki
Feb 21, 2021

Hi All,

I thought I would share some aspect of "racism".

First off, unless you are on the receiving end it is easy to not understand the details, on how it permeates your life, and how it progresses, IMO. Really just IMO.

Second, on the exact day of the 79 year since the presidential executive order that put all Japanese ... Read All

Comment by Hazel Burns
Feb 20, 2021

I do not know who is the EMT member in question but I do not think that flashing an ambiguous hand sign is grounds for dismissal. Nor can I, after looking at the 3% web site, find anything to complain about. It seems to be a respectable organization promoting patriotism and traditional American values. They do support the 2nd Amendment and some people ... Read All

Comment by Nathan Donnelly
Jan 14, 2021

You must be remembering something else. They're a well established group. Here in WA state too.

Comment by Ingri Benson
Jan 12, 2021

Purely from the stand point of educational facts: https://www.thethreepercenters.org/ the 3% are a real thing and you can read about them right from their own website about their views and then hop over to twitter (you don’t have to have an account) to see what they post about the sedition and invasion of the US Capitol.
you can then read : https://w ... Read All

Comment by Ingri Benson
Jan 12, 2021

Purely from the stand point of educational facts: https://www.thethreepercenters.org/ the 3% are a real thing and you can read about them right from their own website about their views and then hop over to twitter (you don’t have to have an account) to see what they post about the sedition and invasion of the US Capitol.
you can then read : https://w ... Read All

Comment by Ben, Jenn June & Nico Greenberg
Jan 11, 2021

For those of you who don't know. Its called the circle game. If you look at the offensive players circle made with the thumb and index finger (ok sign) you've lost and the victim receives a punch to the shoulder; however if the defensive player knows what their up to with peripheral vision pokes the circle with their index finger well then they get ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jan 11, 2021

They have active recruiting, you can read their bylaws. If it’s a myth it’s an elaborate one.

Comment by Michael Hawk
Jan 10, 2021

That’s interesting.
I remember a Congress Member from New York debunked Three Percenters as a myth.

Comment by Kathryn Tucker
Jan 8, 2021

In reading about the horror of the attack on the US Capitol incited by the outgoing president, I note that the 3% group was among the rioters:

"The Three Percenters, a far-right armed group, were seen gathered in Washington's Freedom Plaza on Tuesday night, most wearing helmets and Kevlar vest adorned with the group's symbol, a Rom ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 16, 2020

I am as tired of this thread as anyone, but there are still things to say. My guess is that fire/EMS is perhaps understaffed and overworked. Or perhaps they have budget issues. I’d love to get a dialogue going on what this community needs in order to make everyone happy and safe with first responders services. Do we need more people trained, do we need ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 15, 2020

Thanks James. I have learned a few things from this. One is that that asking for accountability is very easy to imply guilt, which seems to turn into vengeance. When I look at the world it looks like repeating loops of vengeance, and the humans are good at that. I wish it could be more about responsibility and not devolve into state of war. It is not e ... Read All

Comment by James Rapson
Jul 15, 2020

Here's my toast to everyone who commented, everyone who read, and everyone with feelings all across the spectrum:

I believe you, and I believe in all that is good in you, and in myself. I trust in your good will, where ever we may agree and disagree. We have a community to hold and an island to protect; may we do it together to the best of ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 15, 2020

Just making the rounds here, doing some apologizing. I’m sorry for flinging poo and anyone that flung poo at me I forgive you, and I’m sorry I called Donald Trump lil’ d, and if everyone could just please not be a racist or an extremist or say mean things that would be really cool. And if people can please understand that not all Muslim people want t ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 13, 2020

We can all see the nasty remarks have gone too far here. I was warned that this platform was not a friendly place to voice a concern, and I got carried away in being angry at the bitterness. And the lack of any apology or dignified conversation, so I’m going to take my concerns elsewhere. Thanks to anyone who expressed any shred of grace here.

Comment by Laurie Lyford
Jul 13, 2020

Now we are getting someplace. You have revealed plenty about yourself and your agenda in your last few posts.

Have a nice day

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 13, 2020

But not to worry, because the 3% Trump army plans to save us all from our military when Trump decides he wants a coup.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 13, 2020

Racists like to find the black republicans to make some sort of point that racism isn’t real. Talk about kool-aid.

Comment by Curt Bonelli
Jul 13, 2020

Just finished reading his resume. It's going to take a lot of ketchup to cover him up. If we can find a photo of him flashing the ok sign and turn it upside down then we'll really have him.

Comment by Ted Cunningham
Jul 13, 2020

Racism is like Kool-Aid - you can drink it with anything.

And Thomas Sowell took the Kool-Aid - he is a Trump supporter.

Comment by Kelly Parks
Jul 12, 2020

Like ketchup,
Some people carelessly pour it on thick. Deep down they know it’s unhealthy, but just cant help themselves and do it anyway.

Comment by Laurie Lyford
Jul 12, 2020

"The word "racism" is like ketchup. It can be put on practically anything - and demanding evidence makes you a "racist."

Thomas Sowell

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 12, 2020

Before this thread dies out I want to say a few things to resolve any conflict or emotion I may have stirred. I acknowledge that my stance has not been purely objective, as I have perhaps said some things that were offensive or insensitive. I try to avoid personal attacks, but am fallible, and apologize for anything I’ve said that may have caused harm. T ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 11, 2020

When people are reactionary and defensive I can only assume they don’t feel emotionally safe or coddled enough. Glad you feel safe now.

Comment by Carly Clark
Jul 11, 2020

I also want to thank Nathan for benevolently shining the light of his bright star on this important discussion. I feel much safer in its glow.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 10, 2020

3% people are not supposed to post anything “not appropriate for work” because it’s a huge priority for them to maintain their public image. This helps them recruit and keeps their agenda going. Their forums are heavily encrypted for security. I imagine this is because they are concerned about the FBI, as they should be. They have very little transpa ... Read All

Comment by Heike And Terry
Jul 10, 2020

When can a decentralized group of people be described as racist? When the group’s members on social media repeatedly endorse people who the public has already determined to be racist. When they repeatedly rant about political figures who are people of color (including one 3%er facebook comment I saw - after 3 minutes of scrolling - proposing that Barack Ob ... Read All

Comment by Colin Doherty
Jul 10, 2020

Ok, I'm starting to get it. I am guessing that if the government took action to address inequality and structural racism, or climate change for that matter, or (ahem) the pandemic, the 3% would shout government overreach and oppose. So not opposing the protests, but supporting the systems that perpetuate racism.

But that is running into the ov ... Read All

Comment by Kerry Ratza
Jul 9, 2020

Yes Nathan!!

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 9, 2020

I think a big misunderstanding here is about my Use of the word racism. I am not saying “this person hates Black people.” I use the term politically. The reason I consider this an expression of racism, is because identifying with the 111% is identifying with a very specific political rhetoric and belief system. These beliefs are clear from the organi ... Read All

Comment by Rae Graville
Jul 9, 2020

I’ve been trying to follow this thread, which is not a great platform for prolific, long-form conversation, as Lopez Rocks can be cumbersome for reading long text threads. A few points have come up for me, which I don’t think I’ve seen expressed yet (although I could have missed something - see first sentence.)

1. The original post is now outd ... Read All

Comment by Colin Doherty
Jul 8, 2020

This is what Nathan said earlier:

"I would hope by now that when we hear someone bring up ANYTHING to do with oppression we would investigate BEFORE we castigate. No matter how much we have to humble ourselves to hear the message in the first place."

I totally agree. So to investigate, look at the Wa 3% website and press releases ... Read All

Comment by Beth Andrewes
Jul 8, 2020

To enlarge our conversation, below I've posted a letter that business people in the city of our state government wrote. The Three-Percenters group is one of the groups cited. We are not the only community dealing with this. I hope the board of the Lopez Fire Department reads this.

You can confirm this post by finding New Moon Cafe on FB.
... Read All

Comment by Colin Doherty
Jul 8, 2020

I'm leaning forward in my armchair now. I have been thinking about this and talking to some other folks around here, and I think that this post should have never gone up.

The first red flag for me is the first sentence, "there is currently an investigation". Our opinions and speculations are irrelevant to an investigation as nobody ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 8, 2020

Let’s simplify things here. What this comes down to is:

Either EMS/Fire enforces their policies, or they don’t. Johns statement of “forgive and forget” is white privilege at its finest.

I’ve gotten emails from locals saying they wouldn’t feel comfortable calling EMS if they don’t enforce the policy. Enforce it, or accept t ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 8, 2020

For those saying this is about me and my ego, I have to say nobody would make a public post like this and expect to get voted to prom queen. Do what you think is right. If you need a crowd of people behind you to have a voice on a subject, go talk to BLM, wait several years to organize, and make sure your reputation is intact. When my family was attacked ... Read All

Comment by John Waugh
Jul 8, 2020

Thanks Nathan, and others who have navigated these turbulent waters. Let's not forget that we are a nation of immigrants. And, we stole this country from the Native Americans. While it's too late to go back to pre-conquest days, I feel it imperative to remember our rotten roots. Already turned off by my comment here? Please read:

America� ... Read All

Comment by Julia Gilbreath
Jul 8, 2020

Thank you Eden for bringing this to the public’s attention. I read the report and I read the Wikipedia article on 3 percenters. The person admitted that he was consciously making the 3 perCenter sign in the group photo. The 3 percenters believe a small number of people bearing arms can withstand the United States military.Is this group racists? I don’t k ... Read All

Comment by Kerry Ratza
Jul 7, 2020

Yes Nathan!!

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

In response to the numerous accusations of “defamation,” id ask how you even know who I’m talking about since I didn’t name any names here. If anyone feels I’ve broken the law, they are welcome to draw up a case.

Comment by Nathan Donnelly
Jul 7, 2020

Wow. Just reading this whole thread for the first time.
Eden brought up a concern she had to the community. A community that will supposedly come to anyone of its members defense, and she was belittled and attacked for it immediately. There were a few well-reasoned comments, but most of that was how SHE was doing it wrong. She was asked repeatedly for ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

Laurie please refer to the post from fire commission for validation of what I’ve called to attention here. Thanks.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

Since this crowd has nothing but ad hominems to contribute here I’m gonna to mute this thread. I think I’ve said everything I wanted to say, and the evidence is all here for future readers to view. Whoever made the “white silence is violence” sign must have missed this forum.

Comment by Laurie Lyford
Jul 7, 2020

Eden,

You have said a lot of here, but you haven't provided any proof that the Three Percenters are a racist organization. If you cannot provide such material, then you need to publicly apologize for your unsubstantiated statements, meant to defame another community member.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

He “apologized” after the first time. Then he continued to circulate the photo. He did not apologize a second time. Since he already had a second chance, I would ask why there is even a policy at all if it doesn’t matter. Do you call everyone who is protesting all over the place, a narcissist? I’m not the only person who has a problem with this. ... Read All

Comment by Tim Nurczyk
Jul 7, 2020

Eden, you keep demanding that the man apologize, when it has been made clear that he already did. It is extremely narcissistic for you to insist that just because you did not experience it directly that it did not happen. If wanting to give people second chances, to allow them to make mistakes, to show compassion and allow them to grow is our community bei ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

You’ll also notice that the ok sign is in the database of hate symbols. It is used by extremists and non-extremists, which is why it’s a bit ambiguous. But if you don’t want to be associated with an extremist hate group, it might be a good idea to not flash it in your department photos if you can’t handle being called out as a racist or even being ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

FYI as well Laurie, I’ve noticed a number of these codes come up in conversation on the Facebook group, where a lot of the guys friends and defenders from off-island have shown up. This was brought to my attention by a local who used to work as a corrections officer. I can provide specific evidence of these things, but probably won’t do that here. I c ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

You all have a pretty good understanding of what gaslighting is even if you don’t know what racism is. Gaslighting is how you fuel the dumpster fire of white supremacy and misogyny in this country.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

Laurie, a group that provides security detail for a nazi rally is racist. If the individual members “aren’t racist” they most certainly are at least “cool” with it. Like pretty much most of the people on this thread. Oh they’ve also bombed mosques and other such acts.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 7, 2020

People who have lived here for awhile might not realize how insular it seems here. I mean you have a class action suit against the school, you have people arguing about signs, amd you have a whole lot of people defending racism, because someone pointed out a misconduct and people have to clutch their pearls about it. Perhaps if you weren’t so insular her ... Read All

Comment by Laurie Lyford
Jul 7, 2020

James and Eden,

It's a simple question, and if Eden is going to throw out assertations about groups and people, she needs back up her accusations. What exactly is racist about the Three Percenters? One sentence will do

Comment by Carly Clark
Jul 6, 2020

Thank you Danny, you said what we were all thinking.

Comment by Kelly Parks
Jul 6, 2020

Will this dumpster fire topic ever go out ?
Afterall, Isn’t trash burning on Lopez illegal ?

Comment by Danny Stratton
Jul 6, 2020

To the greater Lopez community.
I'm sorry if my outburst causes any local unrest. I lived 30 years under bullies and other abuse before I found my voice. These last 30 years I have stood up to those that I see as bullies.
Sometimes I am just called to bring abuse to light.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

Oh hi Danny. Thanks for your opinion and for checking out my website. I’ll tell all my clients there that if they speak up to their abusers they will be called bullies by people like you. Good advice.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

You’re calling me tone deaf because Donald doesn’t like BLM? I’m not BLM and my expressing my concerns doesn’t reflect on Black Lives Matter. This persons actions have made me feel unsafe and that distrust will extend to EMS if he gets a third chance. You are defending it... so that extends to you as well if you are in the department too.

Comment by Danny Stratton
Jul 6, 2020

Eden, Please STFU. This has gone on long enough
I have a problem with bullies, and you are one.
You are embarrassing yourself with this personal attack and vendetta.
This is not the enlightened rhetoric that you espouse on your personal "self enlightened" website (http://www.starswellhealing.com/) I would expect better of an "enli ... Read All

Comment by Colin Doherty
Jul 6, 2020

Ok, so the "round up and relocate" comment was satire. But right now Trump is ridiculously conflating the Black Lives Matter movement and social/environmental activists as "totalitarians" who would somehow be capable of doing such a thing. It feeds into the fear narrative that he's using to divide us. In the present context, it wa ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

Since so many of you have been so intolerant of me posting this, and have offered personal criticisms to me as if I need to defend myself, I’ll tell you some personal info (probably against my better judgement). And then please keep your reactions to yourself.
I work with survivors of abuse and complex trauma, and I identify as a survivor. I have ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

I would like to thank whoever runs this site for leaving the post up. Thanks a bunch. I knew it was gonna stir the pot, but sometimes the pot needs a stir.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

Colin my intention was to post the info. I’m still showing up even though I would prefer to go about my day without fielding everyone’s criticisms. If you prefer the info was not shared or the topic didn’t come up I don’t know what to tell you.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

Colin my comment is a satire. Sorry you find that disagreeable. Kumbayah....

If you are so established here I imagine you’ve had these conversations with people who have felt marginalized or victimized on this island, by your neighbors. I imagine your positive attitude has solved a lot of problems for them? What type of social justice work do y ... Read All

Comment by James Rapson
Jul 6, 2020

Laurie, if you're asking because you don't know anything about the three percenters, I suggest you Google that question and read what has been written on both sides of that question. There is a lot of that has been researched and you can make up your own mind about what you think instead of having that litigated here in this space.

On the ... Read All

Comment by Laurie Lyford
Jul 6, 2020

I would like an honest answer to this question. Please tell me exactly what is racist about the Three Percenters?

Comment by Colin Doherty
Jul 6, 2020

Eden, I appreciate your dedication to fighting injustice. However you are doing harm to our community and to the cause of social justice with your posts. There are many false assumptions in your arguments. When one continues to use demonstrably false assumptions then their arguments lose legitimacy, and the movements they represent become tarnished.

Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

To offer some sort of solution, my suggestion is that we round up all the racists and white nationalists, and relocate them to a sacrifice zone or a reserve where they can self segregate. Then they can do whatever they want in their public positions and nobody will mind. Maybe they can have Oklahoma.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 6, 2020

Trigger warning....

Dear Lopezians, if anyone ever attacks you or makes you feel uncomfortable, make sure you don’t tell anyone, because people here will condemn you for being “unpleasant” and contrary, and they will say you are the violent one. There was a man who raped minors here and was honored in ceremony last year at the expense of his ... Read All

Comment by Sarah Rabel
Jul 5, 2020

If the point here is that the gentleman in question ought to apologize and explain himself, then, in my opinion, there's really nothing more to discuss. He DID apologize when the photo first came out. If the point is that he should engage in discourse with Eden or whoever else here wants to have a conversation with him, well then, seek him out. If I wer ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

Obviously the public statements here reflect a disdain for the policy of the fire department. I would suggest you all contact them and tell them why political gestures and expressions should be allowed in positions that are paid by public monies.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

Well Sarah, if he apologized when he was initially called out, he certainly didn’t give a shit when he continued to circulate the photo and disrespect the department, which is why this is coming up again. This guy doesn’t respect the policy or the department, clearly. It is not the responsibility of the public to have personal conversation. It is the ... Read All

Comment by Wendy Stephenson
Jul 5, 2020

Eden Rose
I thought you dismissed the idea of tea and discourse on the Jul 2, post?

Eden Rose: Racism on Lopez
Sarah there is currently an investigation going on. I was told this by PHil (see above). I would never willingly go to a racists house for tea, especially not one whose friends have been using intimidation tactics to try and shut me ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

It’s not my responsibility here. I am not the one who engaged in the misconduct. How is it my responsibility to fix this?

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

Michael, my opinions about the subject are irrelevant. The man’s misconduct are acknowledged by the policy of the department. I didn’t invent this. I’m simply noting it. You deny it?

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

I don’t dismiss the idea of discourse, I dismiss the expectation that I am supposed to personally hunt this guy down and demand a conversation. I am here on a public platform, and that is my attempt at conversation. If the person is not a racist, I don’t see why he isn’t showing up to express that, and apologize for the misconduct.

Comment by Michael Hawk
Jul 5, 2020

Speaking of actions and beliefs...
Is it about time we quit hearing about yours regarding this subject ?
As a legitimate Lopez guy, I think so and expect many others feel the same.
Said that,
I just can’t wait to hear the fireworks when stupidy happens again.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

I want to add that the person in question is welcome to express if and how his actions and beliefs do not infringe on anyone else’s social justice or equality. We are welcome to have a discourse. There are absolutely no personal character attacks being made by me here, and none of this is a personal vendetta. If we all want to have tea and conversation, ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

I have a hard time believing all of this man’s photos include him exhibiting an inability to control his body from making an offensive gesture Andrea. For someone who heavily invests in firearms, I would hope he could control his body and especially his hands and fingers. Yikes. And to respond to your interest in me, my “motive” is one of morality and civic responsibility. My hobbies include anti-racism and anti-fascism, as well as studying political theory and history, and participating in environmental and social justice movements.

Comment by James Rapson
Jul 5, 2020

It might help to separate two issues here. I highly recommend people read the results of the investigation in service of a better conversation.

In that write-up, it is made clear that the subject of the investigation openly acknowledged that the hand gesture was the sign for the 3% organization to which he belongs. We do not need to debate that poin ... Read All

Comment by Andrea Dupuis
Jul 5, 2020

Firstly, I find it quite sad and very disheartening that someone would publicly defame a man who has stepped up to serve our community. Clearly, there is motive behind this bilge...I am not convinced that there was any "gang reference" in the hand gesture. I do pray that the author of this post, (Rose) finds a hobby. Get a life!

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 5, 2020

This is embarrassing for our town. It’s embarrassing how many people are “disapproving” of this post, and it’s embarrassing for the department. The following is something I wrote on Facebook Lopez uncensored group. You can find the examples there, or google.

For people who don’t yet get it: this gesture is widely understood to be a discre ... Read All

Comment by Tim Nurczyk
Jul 3, 2020

I have learned more about the 3%ers and I was wrong to characterize them as being akin to the Lions Club. I apologize for speaking ignorantly.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 3, 2020

So even though he was “reprimanded” apparently in private last year, he still posted the department photo until now? Seems he doesn’t respect the policy or the department for that matter, since he was willing to further damage the reputation of the department by keeping that photo in circulation.

Comment by Phil Paige
Jul 3, 2020

Thank you to those who have expressed their thoughts and concerns on this incident. The Fire Chief has completed his investigation and his findings are explained in a letter to the community in the messages section of Lopez Rocks. http://www.lopezrocks.org/page.php?type=item&item_handle=1593813845&menu_type=postit&return=31&offset=0&shuffle=

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

Sarah Rabel, I’m curious how this person was reprimanded as you mentioned...

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

Oh wow, Tim, I didn’t actually read this whole comment at first. First of all, you are absolutely being an apologist and a defender. Noted. Second, the reason this man should resign or be fired, is because his actions make many people, the public that this agency is meant to serve, feel very uncomfortable and disturbed. Perhaps you do not feel that way, ... Read All

Comment by Sarah Rabel
Jul 2, 2020

When the photo in question first came out, the Fire Department did take issue with a political sign being flashed in a department photo. It is indeed against policy, and there was indeed a consequence. To bring this up many months later is your prerogative, but the district already took action on this back when it actually occurred. And it has not occurred, ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

Sarah there is currently an investigation going on. I was told this by PHil (see above). I would never willingly go to a racists house for tea, especially not one whose friends have been using intimidation tactics to try and shut me up, or one whose wife was trolling me for posting about proud boys in Bellingham. No thanks.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

I’ll suggest that if you are confused or uncomfortable with the social unrest, and feel it is over exaggerated, that feeling is called “racism.” Look it up.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

Dan I’m not here to convince you of anything. You are an adult and can come to your own conclusions. If you think a 3%er is flashing an OK sign in his photo, theres nothing I can do about that. The man in question is outward about his political affiliation, and the gesture is well known to be used by this group. If you choose to believe there is no polit ... Read All

Comment by Dan Post
Jul 2, 2020

Eden, you have not convinced me even slightly or at all that the OK sign is political. I think that there must be more to the story.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

I’m not interested in having a political argument, I’m simply passing on the info to folks who do see political gestures in public agency as a problem. And for anti-racists to take note. Have a great day.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

On response to all these comments, this is a 3% hand sign, not an aok sign. I have already explained why using political symbols and hand signs is NOT acceptable in positions of public agency. What your opinion on the specific politics are is irrelevant to me. I personally call this group a gang because of violence that has perpetrated by this group’s m ... Read All

Comment by Michael Hawk
Jul 2, 2020

Thats one of the standardized hand signs or gestures we used in the Army. There’s about 50 we needed to know.
I agree with Kelly. All the flap over it is successfully generated to create outrage du jour.

Comment by Dan Post
Jul 2, 2020

Eden, I am still not understanding how the OK sign is bad. I did the Google search and found pictures of these people making the OK sign among many others: Paul McCartney, President Trump, President Obama, Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton, and Secretary Hillary Clinton. Is the OK sign also bad for these people? Please make me understand.

Comment by Tim Nurczyk
Jul 2, 2020

I am not a member of the Three Percenters, and I do not aim to be their defender or apologist, but to categorize them as a "gang" seems to be inappropriate, unless the Lions Club is also a "gang". They are not engaged in any sort of criminal activity. Furthermore, they expressly disavow racism. From their website:

"First ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

If you are fine with people expressing political views from positions of public agency, then you don’t have to comment. The anti-defamation league doesn’t consider it nothing, and neither do anti-racists. If the military were using political gestures and insignia we would all be concerned I hope. Rules apply to everyone. I’m sorry you feel the need ... Read All

Comment by Kelly Parks
Jul 2, 2020

Baffled here also...
Seriously, Not really baffled. Just amused.
Anyway,
In recent years seems huge numbers of people are addicted to finding something new to be outraged over.
It can be hard to keep up.
They love to change longstanding definitions to create fresh outrage material.
As a Legitimate Lopez Guy, I understand why some ... Read All

Comment by Dan Post
Jul 2, 2020

Eden, please explain how the OK sign is political or a gang sign. Seems through my lifetime that a lot of people just thought it meant that things were OK. I am baffled here.

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 2, 2020

Dan I would recommend googling racist hand signs, 3 percent hand signs, or white power hand signs. There is a NYTimes article I believe with the headline A-ok is not AOK. There is a lot of information online about political symbolism of fringe and hate groups. It’s definitely not being used to say “A-Ok” in this case. He knew very well what he was ... Read All

Comment by Eden Rose
Jul 1, 2020

It’s the a-ok sign. Anti-defamation League has identified this as a white power sign, but 3% people decided it would be fine to just flip that upside down..

Comment by Justin Hagge
Jul 1, 2020

Not going to ask for the image but what sign was this?