Letters to the Editor: 03/08/2017

To the Editor:

My initial reaction to Yvonne Suckow's Letter to the Editor of February 22 was that I would spend a considerable amount of time writing a point-by-point rebuttal to her trumped-up rhetoric, but decided that my time would be better spent by exercising my right as an American citizen to protest what I, and millions of other Americans, believe to be a corrupt, misogynist, xenophobic, racist, anti- environmental, fascist-trending and skewed-to-benefit-the-wealthy, government.

#NotLeaving.

Michelle Tormey

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To the Editor:

Today I read two articles in The Nugget (March 1), and what struck me between the eyes was the stark difference in tone, words used, intent expressed. The first was the article on the front page about the Sisters Transition Program and their award as Oregon's Exceptional Program. It spoke of a philosophy of "no barriers," a creative group of people, a goal of meeting individual needs ... while balancing the needs of the collective, a belief that success comes from a cooperative approach.

The second article I read was headlined "A Despicable Incident." (Editor's note: the writer refers to an op-ed on page 2). Words that stood out to me in this article were despicable, dominated, fear-mongering, positioning, criticized, lectured, complacency. The tone was blaming, negative, oppositional.

I have choices. I can choose to hold tightly to my opinions, my political ideology, a contempt for others who think differently than I do. I can choose to live in an inner atmosphere of anger, protection, hatred, intolerance. Or, I can choose to stand firm in my core beliefs, appreciate my family, friends, co-workers, neighbors who think differently than I do. I can choose to be tolerant, accepting, even embracing of our differences. I may not understand, I may not agree, but I will choose to respect others as individuals, and nurture and cherish my relationships with them.

One of the most devastating and dangerous signs of these times is, for me, the ever-widening chasm between fellow citizens, family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers. I can choose to participate in widening this chasm further - I can also choose to mend some breaks, however small, to have hope and to live and work with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance.

Mary Pyke

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To The Editor:

Mr. Wattenburg's lengthy guest column last week attempts to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Context matters. The meeting was, effectively, a boisterous pep rally of folks who are resisting the Trump agenda. They came out to show support for each other (community) and to encourage Senator Wyden to resist when and where possible in the Senate.

Approximately 747 Democrats, or 99.6 percent of the audience, politely listened to Mr. Wattenburg enthusiastically express his approval of Senator Wyden's statement that he accepted the outcome of the election. No hissing or booing for maybe 15-20 seconds. Considering the mood in the room, I would say that showed remarkable restraint. At the same time, their silence allowed them their own freedom of expression, which was somewhat less enthusiasm for the same statement. That hardly rises to the level of despicability in my view.

As for Mr. Wattenburg's final crescendo, in which he assumes to inform the rest of the world about Right and Wrong (capitalization supplied by Mr. Wattenburg) - forget it. I've learned that you're entitled to determine right and wrong for yourself and your children until they're about 12 years old. That's about it. Nobody else gives a hoot.

Stuart Scofield