Race-Baiting Doesn't Work

Those of us who attended the Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing on April 17 hear a lot of spurious arguments against designation. They don't bother me so much; everyone is entitled to their opinion. But the absolute low point of the day came when a speaker started accusing preservationists of racism and discrimination. Then, when people started grumbling (not heckling) she accused them of being "rude."  

Anyone who has gotten to know the preservationists in Sunnyside as I have will note that they're a pretty broad-minded bunch.  If the group were a bunch of ignorant Archie Bunkers most of us would not have joined it, especially the members of minority groups, who are all represented in its ranks. So, why did this particular person say what she did?   Perhaps she was just looking to strike a blow at the proponents of landmarking by making such a strong accusation. Or perhaps she is used to people who are so hyper-sensitive and insecure about being called bigots that they just roll over when people make that accusation. (I've met people like that, and now avoid them).  To such race-baiters I offer Emerson's closing words to his famous essay /Self Reliance/: "Nothing will bring you peace but the triumph of principles."  We preservationists are broad-minded, and we're also very confident in our principles.  And that peace of mind makes us immune from such accusations.