A Time for Questions

Last month in this space we noted Sheriff Bob Brooks’ concern that violence by racist gangs has soared in Ventura County. We urged the entire community to join with us in rejecting the venomous deeds of people and organizations fueled by hatred.

“In light of the recent racist shootings in the Chicago area and homophobic slayings and synagogue fires in Sacramento, it is clear that even small incidents must be taken seriously lest they lead to mayhem,” we observed. “White supremacist violence is a cancer that all Ventura County residents must work together to cure.”

Now, amid the emotional aftershocks of last week’s attack at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in nearby Granada Hills, we look around at bucolic Ventura County and ask what can be done here to prevent the angrily disaffected from channeling their frustration through the barrel of a gun.

Several factors contribute to the river of rage that has breached the banks of civility again and again over the past few months. The Internet greatly extends the reach of poisonous delusions, giving vast audiences and a measure of credibility to just about anybody. Ever-more-sophisticated assault weapons allow lone individuals to do greater damage more quickly. Some people stuck in dead ends while the economy makes others rich look around for someone--anyone--to blame.

Some observers believe these outrageous acts do not reflect a rising tide of racism in America but the opposite. As society becomes more accepting of racial diversity with each generation, the shrinking number who can’t cope become more frustrated--and more dramatic in their efforts to publicize their lost cause.

In months to come, The Times Ventura County Edition will take a closer look at the forces that fuel racial hatred and violence here at home:

How do children as young as elementary school age get drawn into circles of racist or neo-Nazi beliefs? Where are local hate groups getting their encouragement? What are schools, churches, synagogues, service organizations, government bodies and law enforcement agencies doing to keep the hate infection from becoming an epidemic? What can ordinary citizens do to better get along with their neighbors--and to raise their children to build a 21st century where bigotry and prejudice are properly locked away inside the Museum of Tolerance?

These are questions that must be answered. We owe it to ourselves, to our neighbors, to our children.