From Staff Reports

Two local conservatives said in mid-December that some of their support base was angered by the cancellation of their pro-police rally, planned for Dec. 11, after activists from the LBGTQ community announced that they would hold a counter-protest simulaneously nearby.

“I had been blessed with my fill of conservative armchair quarterbacks critiquing our actions without any understanding of the circumstance,” Dr. Carl Mumpower, one of the organizers (along with Chad Nesbitt), said. “At this point, my patience with the selective efforts and principles of Asheville’s conservative community are worn a bit thin.

“It is telling that most every voice of criticism has stepped over our final request — sending a note of thanks to their local law enforcement agency. Had conservative stalwarts embraced that mission, over trying to perfect our efforts, the impact for our police could have been far more significant and less risky than a 30-minute rally amidst a parade of lesbians with signs saying, ‘F--k the police.’”

Meanwhile, Nesbitt said, “The decision to cancel was solely based on safety concerns of the police officers’ families. After we announced that we were having the rally the gay anarchists threatened to spit and instigate violence at the rally.

“Children and elderly family members of police officers were to be at our rally. There was no way we were going to allow children to be in danger. We did the right thing.”

“As you know, Carl and I have never walked away from a fight and we’ve fought for conservative and moral issues for years. We did not back away from this rally. We pulled a fuse from a bomb. If those crazies spit on those police officers’ families, there would have been a huge fight/”.

Further, Nesbitt noted, “There were some Facebook posts, phone calls and emails from our conservative friends, who said we should have never backed down. Some even called us cowards.

“It pissed us off and we dished it back at them. Carl and I stand by what we did and stand by whatever smart aleck remark to conservatives that disagreed with us because they did not know what we knew was coming,” Nesbitt said.

Following are four samples of remarks received via Facebook or email from supporters of the pro-police rally reacting to its cancelation that Mumpower received:

• “Very disappointed you did not carry out your rally at a time when deputies need a moral boost.”

• “In the sense that their activity (LGBTQ community) stopped yours, they will interpret it as a win and be fraudulently encouraged to keep up their thwarting of conservative efforts to make valid points publicly. That’s the part I don’t like.”

• “AS a Republican The tail didn’t wag the dog. The dog ran off. Don’t every (sic) give in to minority!!!!”

• “I understand the not wanting confrontation... that is why the progressives run the town... If ya start something ... don’t back down.”

The following is one of the few printable remarks that Mumpower received over the phone:

“Should I bring my hoodie? How about a rope? We can string ‘em up on the monument.”

In a joint statement on the rally’s cancellation that was sent to the Daily Planet, Mumpower and Nesbitt noted that “the self-described LBGTQ community has publically announced their intention to hold a counter-protest in time and location proximity to our event. That increases the potential for duplication of the aggressive actions we’ve seen in San Francisco and other cities that various liberal factions in Asheville seek to imitate. We want to thank the police, no create more risks and work.

“Lawless protesters across the country are ironically duplicating the methods and missions of racist organizations we rightfully rejected at an earlier time.

“Anarchy, violence and protest as a form of entertainment merit no support from those wishing to keep our society healthy and whole,” the duo said. “We’re happy to step aside and let these folks have the field — there are other ways to thank those in law enforcement.

To that end, Asheville-area conservatives are encouraging people to show support for the police by sending them holiday and thank-you cards.

The APD can be reached at 100 Court Plaza, Asheville, N.C. 28801.