To The Editor:

The truck and trailer which is frequently parked on Moab City Streets and covered with all the painted slogans was vandalized last week. This is at least a crime of intolerance or hate and at worst a crime of terrorism. Crimes of intolerance are based on a dislike of other people’s opinions, race, religion, or background. These crimes in a small community such as Moab can divide the community into groups that are not only intolerant of their neighbor’s opinions, but have a real hatred for each other. A weapon was used to shoot out the windows of the vehicle. Thankfully an innocent bystander was not killed or hurt in the incident. The difference between terrorism and vandalism is one misplaced shot.

The citizens of Moab need to respond against crimes of intolerance and hate by expressing their opinions and writing letters to The Times-Independent.

The Moab City Police Department needs to classify this incident not as simply a mindless vandalism, but as a hate crime and notify the FBI in Monticello, 435.587.2060. The FBI will not respond to calls made by citizens.

A representative of VFW Post 10900 in Moab stated that he is “appalled by the incident” and “the right to express your opinion is supported by the blood of deceased veterans.”

The local radio station will hold a public forum on the subject next week and your participation is encouraged. I hope to ask citizens to make contributions to replace the vehicle’s windows at that time.

–William E. Love,

Moab