Letters on police cookout, Trump’s bigotry, liberal values
Police cookout was a triumph of civility
With the recent tragedies in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Minneapolis – and Baton Rouge again – we’ve witnessed the death of too many Americans.
We’ve all watched with dismay as the chasm between the African-American community and police has yawned wider, eroding trust and fostering a sense of fear. It’s imperative that we understand why African-Americans mistrust police, and why police throughout America are on edge. So what can be done?
America should look to Wichita.
The cookout last weekend was a heartening example of how communities can come together to heal. Instead of butting heads, police and the African-American community chose to break bread – or more aptly, break hamburger buns (July 18 Eagle). By speaking honestly with one another, Wichitans have taken an important step toward re-establishing trust.
This cookout won’t solve all the problems facing America, but it was an important step toward reviving civility. I hope it leads to greater trust and understanding in the years to come.
After weeks of tragedy and bloodshed, this good news is a step toward healing. Wichita should be proud.
Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, Washington, D.C.
Executive director, National Institute for Civil Discourse
Values of the left
The centuries-old ideology and values of the left – liberal, progressive, socialist – have had a profound influence on my life. They have made clear what I do not want and cannot accept, and what doesn’t work.
Our president and others believe that all of the shortcomings, pitfalls and dire consequences of their ideology and values are imaginary. They are wrong. Historical apparitions, no kin to Casper, clearly elucidate the facts.
Tom Oyler, Wichita
Trump’s bigotry
Many Republicans are uncomfortable with Donald Trump as their nominee, and to ease their conscience they are asking him to tone down his inflammatory rhetoric and appear more “presidential.” But make no mistake: If he bends to their wishes, he will merely be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
It’s actually a good thing that he has revealed his bigotry against anyone who does not fit into his vision to “Make America Great Again.” As we head to the voting booth, we already know his true nature, one that defiles the very vision of the founders of our democracy – that is for America to be a place where pluralism in all forms is not only tolerated but welcome.
Further, one can only fear the damage he will do to our relationship with other countries across the world. It is no surprise that skinheads and the Ku Klux Klan are eager to support him.
Though Hillary Clinton was irresponsible in handling America’s classified information, the values she stands for – tolerance for all of America’s differences, no matter the color, creed, class or gender – will move us forward, rather than the frightening, backward direction that Trump’s leadership will surely take us.
Ann Fetters, Wichita
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This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 12:03 AM with the headline "Letters on police cookout, Trump’s bigotry, liberal values."