Can we respect differing views?
I am not a political person and I like local high school English teacher Bob Woelk. His Jan. 10 article in the Free Press prompted a response from me. I felt the article gave strong opinions about many residents in our community, county, state and country who would support all or some of President Trump’s agenda.
The insults and accusation directed to those who voted for or supported President Trump included: there is no point trying to reason with them, they “proclaim” to be Christian, and nothing they support in Trump resembles the basic tenets of Christianity.
I understand a good portion of his article are statements made by someone else, but I can’t help but believe Bob shares those views as well—especially when he ends his article with the suggestion that Trump supporters have gone to the dark side, but he and those of the opposite view are good, decent, self-sacrificing people who continue to fight for a just society. It comes across judgmental.
I believe it is my responsibility as a proud American to salute my flag and support and pray for the success of our commander in chief, whether his name is Trump, Obama, Reagan, Carter, Bush or Clinton.
I believe our children and society need to see us respecting those in authority. That doesn’t mean we agree with everything we see or hear on either side of the aisle.
Just as we need to do in our personal relationships, jobs, churches, etc., those in leadership must find a way to truly listen to each other and come together and compromise in order to truly make positive change.
I am thankful that I live in a country that allows Bob to share his beliefs and opinions. I also want our children and grandchildren to be allowed the privilege and right to think for themselves and have their options respected even if they differ from teachers, professors, classmates, etc.
Thank you, Bob, for your thought-provoking article.
Cora L. Friesen
Hillsboro
