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Why Ivanka Trump’s response to Charlottesville is so important

Delphine Chui Delphine Chui
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    • Especially when compared to Melania and Donald Trump's public reaction

    The world is understandably still shaken after this weekend’s violent rally in Charlottesville, by white supremacists protesting the removal of a statue of Confederate Army commander Robert E. Lee.

    Despite the far right leader having died in 1870, it seemed that modern day members of the public still believe in what he stood for, reenacting the cause he led, marching with a Confederate battle flag and injuring anyone in their way.

    It was a recreation of a terrifying and unforgivable time in history, exacerbated by an attack that saw 20-year-old James Fields ram his car into a group of people who were peacefully protesting the rally. The incident saw 19 injured and one woman, 31-year-old Heather Heyer, dead.

    And although President Donald Trump has condemned the events, his lack of specificity, and gentle language, is being criticised – and rightfully so.

    Not only did he offer up condolences to the family of ‘the young woman’ killed today (when her name was released shortly after the attack), the words he used to comment on the events were far too soft…

    This wasn’t just ‘violence in America’, this was a terror attack by white nationalists and neo-Nazis. And, considering that some are taking Donald Trump’s words ‘take our country back’ to defend such actions, it’s even more critical that Trump addresses these actions as just that: terrorism.

    Melania Trump also issued a statement on Twitter, saying:

    But, again, had this been an attack specifically on white people by another race, would their words have been quite so general?

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    So, when Ivanka Trump tweeted ‘There should be no place in society for racism, white supremacy and neo-nazis. We must all come together as Americans — and be one country UNITED,’ the world was relieved to see the words in black and white and actual condemnation of a group who have no place in today’s world.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the events that took place in Charlottesville this weekend.

    And here’s hoping that this will be the last incident of its kind.

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