To the editor:
On Jan. 21, I plan to be in Washington DC marching with thousands of women in support of tolerance, inclusion, compassion and common sense.
I am absolutely not going to …
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To the editor:
On Jan. 21, I plan to be in Washington DC marching with thousands of women in support of tolerance, inclusion, compassion and common sense.
I am absolutely not going to protest anything. While it is true that I am horrified that we will soon have as our president a man who has proven himself a bully, a fraud, a liar, and a cheat, protesting about that won't change the fact.
I realize that not every Trump supporter is an alt-right white nationalist. Some believe his promises to bring manufacturing jobs back to the rust belt. Others feel their guns are in danger and believe his promises to protect them. Others feel abortion is a sin and believe his promises to make it illegal. Others believe his promises that if he cuts taxes for the wealthy they will have more money in their own pocket.
But every Trump supporter has been willing to focus on an issue they care about and overlook the characteristics that disqualified him for me. They held their nose and made common cause with the xenophobes, the homophobes, the antisemites, the misogynists, and the Ku Klux Klan.
The very soul of our country is at risk.
People have somehow been swayed by the unholy coalition of hate, greed and fear that characterized the Trump campaign. We risk having these voices become what defines who we are as a people. We can't protest our way out of this.
We can only overwhelm hatred and greed and fear with hope and love. We must open our hearts and embrace not only the vulnerable people who have been targeted in Trump's campaign, but also the voters who have been duped into accepting him.
I am joining the Women's March for much the same reason I wear a safety pin every day. I am marching to say loud as I can that I will respect every person's rights and will intervene when I see rights being violated. I am marching because I want to live in a country that is generous and kind, where equality is important, and where we look out for each other and help one another through a tough time. I am marching to add my voice to those calling for progressive change. I hope others will speak out, too.
Sincerely,
Tim Mize
Barrington