Jim Young/Reuters
Rob Tibbetts, father of the young woman whose murder at the hands of a Hispanic man became a symbol for the anti-immigration movement, spoke out Saturday with a moving op-ed in the Des Moines Register. In the op-ed, Tibbetts condemned the pundits and politicians who have “chosen to callously distort and corrupt Mollie’s tragic death to advance a cause she vehemently opposed.” He implored them to “not appropriate Mollie’s soul in advancing views she believed were profoundly racist,” noting that doing so “grievously extends the crime that stole Mollie from our family.” He added that, “at her eulogy, I said Mollie was nobody’s victim. Nor is she a pawn in others’ debate. She may not be able to speak for herself, but I can and will. Please leave us out of your debate.”
Tibbetts also extended his hand to the Hispanic community, noting that “The person who is accused of taking Mollie’s life is no more a reflection of the Hispanic community as white supremacists are of all white people,” and that “my family stands with you and offers its heartfelt apology. That you’ve been beset by the circumstances of Mollie’s death is wrong. We treasure the contribution you bring to the American tapestry in all its color and melody. And yes, we love your food.” He also asked America to “not lose sight of Mollie [...] Instead, let’s turn against racism in all its ugly manifestations both subtle and overt. Let’s turn toward each other with all the compassion we gave Mollie. Let’s listen, not shout. Let’s build bridges, not walls. Let’s celebrate our diversity rather than argue over our differences. I can tell you, when you’ve lost your best friend, differences are petty and meaningless.”