Polarizing political arguments had no place in HLP when it was announced to the world on May 3, 2018.

I wanted to avoid the political conversations that include swearing and devolving into bullying, which is why I set the original “no politics” rule.

HLP was formed during Trump’s rule, and it was formed in direct response to witnessing how hatred was growing again in the USA on many subtle levels between friends, family, and even fetish folk.

I’ve seen plenty political conversations break down into racial and rights arguments, and I’m even guilty of participating in these arguments.

Right/Left arguments have created friction between members of HLP, and that friction was been banned from our chat and our group meeting because those types of arguments were a contributing factor to the downfall of NJ-PAH.

When I traveled during my International Geared Up Pup 2018 title year I was woke to the varying levels of prejudice and racial injustice I saw within the fetish communities I visited. Engaging with fetish friends and other community leaders is very different than hanging out with them for a weekend and getting to know them. I tried to capture the best ideas and took notes of things I saw that I’d want to avoid in HLP.

On June 4, 2020 I rescinded the “no politics” rule even though I was extremely worried that conversations between our members were going to explode into heated arguments. I’m very proud of everyone who participated in the online conversations we had and how articulate you all expressed your feelings.

Our country, our state, our community, and each one of you are feeling the effects of the pandemic lockdown and the protests/riots. Opening the door to allow political conversations really turned out to be the permission many of you needed to express your views without the worry that you’d get shut down by our policy.

In the last 24 hours we’ve seen continued peaceful protests around the country. In the last 7 days we’ve seen Twitter take a stand against Trump’s words to incite violence. We saw FB not take a stand followed by an employee walkout because FB allowed Trump to continue. We’ve seen police brutality of old men, bicyclist, innocent passers by, and upon the people defending their property. Police have taken a knee in some areas, walked with protesters in some areas, but then use force in other areas. Tensions are high.

I would like the conversations from the last 24 hours to continue. I want you all to have a safe space where you can talk about how you feel right now. Protesting, COVID-19, depression, unemployment, racism, and political conversations can continue.

Keep it civil! I will not tolerate a single person telling someone else “you are wrong.” Instead, say things like “I have a different view that I’d like to share” and hope they will listen. I know it’s very difficult to take a breath and not let anger translate through your thumbs as you type. Do your best.

I will monitor the conversations and let all civil conversations continue until, at least, the end of the the nationwide riots. One day at a time.

As for the peaceful protests... I hope they CONTINUE with gusto until elected officials take real action. I’ll explain why I think that way in my next post.

Matt Redding
HLP Alpha
Founder