Juneteenth Freedom Day message painted on the rock in White Rock. Photo by Aaron Walker

The reverse side of the rock. “That isn’t a middle finger for anyone that may see that. My 7 year old wanted to paint coral for the fish, and that is what he came up with,’ said Aaron Walker. Photo by Aaron Walker

Editor,

It’s a crying shame when members of the GOP in this town resort to hatred. Last night, the rock was painted in an amazing mural for Juneteenth.  I cannot take credit for any of the painting, because I have zero artistic talent. My wife, father-in-law, and wonderful kids wanted to participate, so we all got in the van and made it a wonderful time. Many others were involved, but I won’t include their names in case they wish to remain anonymous. Above are the results of the painting.

This is a gorgeous painting that is appropriately timed for the holiday. However, the GOP couldn’t hold their hatred in. Less than an hour later, it was carelessly painted over with malicious intent. They may not have painted any blatantly hateful remarks, but covering up such a wonderful work so quickly with such horrible remarks certainly leads a person to think of only one possible conclusion: hatred. 

Photo by Aaron Walker

Photo by Aaron Walker

Photo by Aaron Walker

Photo by Aaron Walker

The Los Alamos GOP has a hatred problem. That is the only reasonable conclusion that can be drawn from these photos. It is seeping out of their pores, and they cannot contain it. They will certainly try to change the narrative, or somehow tell you this is “fine”. It’s NOT. Yes, people can paint over the rock whenever they want and this time of year is always “contentious”. Juneteenth though? And that’s the message you want to paint over it with? That’s hateful. Period. End of story. It certainly isn’t the best optics when you feel the need to do this.

There is no defending this. This is unacceptable. 

BLACK LIVES MATTER!