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I Can Help
The following letter to the editor was published in the June 19, 2009 edition of the Naples Daily News.
Editor, Daily News:
My heart sank upon reading Tuesday’s article headlined “Vandals paint swastikas on home of author of gay, lesbian church story.”
I know firsthand that this incident is neither isolated nor unique. Around the nation, individuals are being terrorized because of their sex, religion, race, disabilities, beliefs and a myriad of other things.
In our own state, there are over 56 documented hate groups, which ranks Florida third in the nation. This is not a Florida fact that we are in any way proud of.
Hate and discrimination tear at the fabric of our communities by decreasing the quality of life for all and breeding fear and mistrust. I invite everyone to work with local and state anti-hate agencies to seek solutions for these issues that are plaguing our state, and our very own community.
As a state commissioner and resident of this community that I love, I can provide assistance to help stop these horrific acts of hate from continuing. We must band together to send the message that hateful behavior has no place in our neighborhoods. Please visit our Web site at http://fchr.state.fl.us or call (850) 488-7082 for more information on the commission.
Mario Valle
Naples
Member, Florida Commission on Human Relations
