To the Editor:

I googled the definition for racism and the search result returned was “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group.” Given this definition, I feel compelled to write in support and defense of my good friend and neighbor Cathy Reiss. I do not see how any of that description applies to the letters that she has submitted to The Bee’s editor. She did not advocate for any type of discrimination nor did she demean anyone of color. In addition, she stated in both letters that Black lives do matter.

While some may disagree with her opinions about the activist organization, Black Lives Matter, that does not justify stating or intonating that someone is a racist. By all means, people should go to the BLM website and take a thorough look at their positions and make their own decision. The defund the police stance and the absence of a denouncement of the violence and looting that continues to take place in cities under the guise of social justice is a full stop for me. No one denies that discrimination exists in our country as it does throughout the world and in many different forms. Discrimination will only be defeated by changing hearts and minds and I personally do not believe the tenets of the BLM organization are on the right track. That being said, I very much believe that Black lives matter and that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, even if you have different views.

Michele Buzzi

38 Obtuse Road, Newtown August 12, 2020