Toledo WHAT! Rollin' Hard in the 'Ledo!

Please excuse my ghetto demeanor, but I just had to say that. If you haven't heard or watched CNN over the weekend of October the 15, 2005, you may not have noticed a slight skirmish of a story in Ohio. Apparently, the self-proclaimed Nazi party of the United States decided to march in Toledo, Ohio in protest over a dispute a local white resident was having with black gangs. OK so far. I have nothing against people exercising their first amendment rights, even if I don't agree with them. HOWEVER, my problem is with the chosen venue and the history of the two, three, and four groups involved.

First of all, most protestors do not march throughout residential neighborhoods. These events usually take place at a courthouse, capital building, etc. But let us just say that this protest needs to happen in a residential area. Fine. They received proper approval. Fine. My question involves judgment of the city's officials, especially the mayor, who is black. Here is the question:

Why would you knowing allow a group known for inciting violent reactions and behaviors to march in an environment where violence is inevitable? I know that the black mayor does not want to be sued by Nazis because he would not allow them the freedom of speech, but at the same time he has a commitment to his citizen to keep them safe. Were the citizens of Polish Village (where the march was to take place near) given the chance to dialogue about this group's visit? Were the black citizenry (also where the march was to take place around) given this option?

I know that part of town and it is predominantly black and poor. With the history of violence, of lynching, of rape, of cutting off penises and displaying them in pickle jars on corner stores; why do you think these people reacted this way? Black people did the 'ignore it and it will go away' all the way up to the 60's. Yet there are still states that have not made lynching illegal, just as the federal government had not done years before.

If someone is known for killing you, why would you allow them free reign to advocate it in front of your house?

I'm not saying that the violence was justified, but it damn sure wasn't unexpected. The City of Toledo needs figure out if the citizens' rights are worth sacrificing versus hatemonger visitors'. Because of a dim-witted move by the city's administration, damage was wrought, people were injured, tempers were heightened, and hate was fed.

To the Administration of Toledo, Ohio: Pick up a fucking chess set and learn how to play the game.
To the Nazis: In the words of George W. Bush - Mission Accomplished.