LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Sheryl Martin Hall, Liberal
I assumed you would want your newspaper to fairly report a story. Your recent article misrepresented those who took part in the largest protest against a president in our nation’s history, No Kings Day.
You said our group supported “open borders and men dressed as women competing against biological women.” No one supports wide open borders, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t support border security. I don’t think I know of one single person in our crowd who gave much thought to the issues of transgenders that day. I didn’t see you interviewing anyone.
You said our posters had “little to do with a king and more to do with supporting bad policies.” I saw many posters defending due process, a right that only free nations have, fundamental in the USA. You think this is a bad policy? Only a king or dictator would bypass due process.
Two hundred fifty men of various ages were sent to a hellish prison in El Salvador where they have no chance of getting out and no way to even contact family. Investigative journalists found that 75 percent of those men have no criminal history and no current charges. Of the remaining 25 percent, I can only guess what their history is but I highly doubt that every one of them are the “rapists and murderers” DJT blabs on and on about in his efforts to stoke hate and fear to villainize anyone whose skin is not white. We are seeing parents of half grown kids hauled off after living here for a decade or two. The deportations are largely just working folks. And I know some of your readers are eager to say, “Do it the right way!” Do you know any immigrants who do not want to be citizens? Do you have any idea of the process of becoming a citizen? The time? The cost? Many have been in that process for years and pay a ton into our tax system. And now, there’s risk of being picked up by ICE when they show for scheduled appearances at the court house in their effort to “do it the right way.”
A king would say things like “can’t we just shoot them in the legs or something?” when speaking of protesters. Or “when the looting starts the shootin’ starts.” I’m sure you’ll tell me that he was only joking or he didn’t mean it that way, but who would joke about something like that especially in a charged atmosphere? A king or dictator. Any employee even at an entry level job would probably face disciplinary actions with words like that. Taco Bell holds their employees to higher standards than that of our president and his cabinet.
A king would think it acceptable to tear gas peaceful people so he can hold a bible in front of a church for a photo op.
In a nation divided like never before, you are in a position to help bridge that gap. You chose to portray one side as unimportant and silly, spreading misinformation about fellow Liberal citizens and half of your country.
Protesting is necessary and a freedom not shared with all countries. It lets others know they are not alone. A united voice can and does change the minds of others. And we are gaining ground.
Trump said those protesting last weekend would be met with “very big force, very heavy force.” Words of someone who apparently thinks he’s king. The way his friends, Putin and Kim Jong-un do it.
A king would think it ok to stop funding which actually requires approval by Congress ending funding for, among other things, starving children and cancer patients. A king would have no need for pesky things like knowledge of spreadsheets and comprehensive audits. A king can just appoint his wealthy buddies to oversee the slashing of thousands of jobs.
You apparently missed the posters that said things like:
“We’re your neighbors and friends. Not criminals.”
“Due process is the Law.” “Liberty and Justice for ALL.”
“We just want to feed our families, and yours! #fieldworkers.” And you missed several posters that read, “This is what democracy looks like.”
Have a good day.
