Letters to the Editor

We are a Christian nation

I believe our county’s flag is falling. Our Constitution and what it represents is being totally discarded. Fairness and decently, our laws and their enforcement are being ignored at the peril of people in cities and towns both big and small; destroying our very quality of life.

But take heart, Americans and the American Spirit is not easily broken! In spite of news reports of meaningless acts of destruction and immoral acts of every nature; we are still a Christian nation, with Christian ideals; God, Family, Country. So be of good hope, with the knowledge and understanding that elections have consequences and have meaning and can provide a powerful opportunity to greatly improve our daily lives for the better, keeping in mind that every vote must count and everyone should vote and maybe, just maybe, one might put aside one’s notion to vote how a particular party wants you to vote but rather vote for the good of our nation, for our American way of life; not for government’s sake but for that which will benefit - We the People.

Stephen BallLancaster

Attacks on DEI are un-American

There is a problem with DEI, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s being attacked by the vast Republican Know Nothing Party. The concept says that the favorable advancement of any societal group or organization will be promoted with this framework for improving the fair treatment and full participation of all people. A better culture is created when everyone, regardless of their differences, is provided with equal opportunities, and encouraged to respect everyone else’s ideas and perspectives.

Those themes are the very foundation underneath one reason for the origin of this country, people wanting the freedom to express ideas and religion away from the oppressive tyrannies and theocracies of Europe. "E pluribus unum" is the motto of the United States. It means "out of many, one." It is used on the Great Seal of the U.S. The motto describes our history and our belief that we are a Melting Pot that should work together as one.

In today’s modern GOP cult, however, it has become an insult, an invective, a pejorative. It is the equivalent of a racist slur, as most recently seen in voices saying that the cause of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse was DEI, “lower” hiring standards in public, electoral, and commercial employment.

But look at the definitions that would be used for the antonyms. Not diverse means “white.” No equity means lack of fairness or justice. Non-inclusive means to exclude, keep the “others” out. These right-wing critics are admitting that they are anti-American at their core.

Allen BrandBremen

Trump salutes Jan. 6 'hostages' in dehumanizing rant at half-baked Ohio rally

Former President Donald Trump saluted Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioters at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Trump, who was in Ohio for a campaign stop at the Buckeye Values PAC rally, honored and thanked the participants of the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol.

"Please rise for the horribly and unfairly treated January 6 hostages," an announcer said. Trump then saluted and the crowd stood as the "J6 Hostages' Song," a rendition of the National Anthem, played. The song, "Justice for All" by the J6 Prison Choir, features the voice of Trump reciting the pledge of allegiance.

Former President Donald Trump is always in his least controllable state when unchained from his teleprompter.The event at the home of the Dayton Air Show was billed as an event to boost Bernie Moreno, a local car dealership mogul. The Independent spotted a grand total of one sign proclaiming support for the would-be senator, and none was being sold by the multitude of vendors lined up on the approach to the airfield.

Mr Trump chose to overshadow all other candidates with his own campaigning for a second term and his ranting against Joe Biden and the Democrats who thwarted him in 2020.

He labeled his political opponents inhuman: “In some cases, they’re not people.” He’d provoke that same dehumanizing imagery as he delivered his latest rant against illegal immigration, this time eyeing a new enemy in the arrival of residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Repeating “they’re coming in from Africa”, the former president sarcastically declared: “The Congo’s a very nice place, I imagine.”

To add insult to injury, The Independent reporter watched as at least a few hundred Trump fans exited the event while the former president was still speaking. Many cited the cold wind at the outdoor event as their reason; one woman bluntly remarked that she “need[ed] a beer”.

Even the crowd for Trump left early and needed a beer. Other GOP faithful are following their lead. Thank God.

Bob Muckensturm

Lancaster

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Letters to the Editor