The “our view” opinion from Aug. 17 was astonishing.

To say that Trump was fundamentally correct in blaming both sides for the violence in Charlottesville is sad. On one side were the KKK, armed militia and Nazis marching with torches chanting, “Jews will not replace us” and “blood and soul.”

On the other side were those who stood up against the hateful ideology.

Your “view” expanded the blame to other incidences, but Trump was talking about Charlottesville.

We are in a time where a stand has to be taken. There is no center or gray area.

The KKK’s David Duke repeatedly praising Trump is wrong. Trump saying that the torch carrying, chanting and shouting Nazis were “people protesting very quietly” is wrong. Trump lamenting the removal of Confederate statues is wrong.

This is 2017. His actions and words are shameful and extremely disturbing. Trump is the one who is tearing this country apart.

If the president will not stand up to bigots and racists, the people must.

Marsha Montz

Niles