The importance of exposing the hate
Re: “Free-speech limits tested at meetings,” Feb. 18 news story
Thank you, Denver Post, for exposing the nasty onslaught of hate speech aimed at Jews during city council meetings in Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Laramie, Wyo. Unfortunately, this is part of a sad trend in the U.S. where Neo-Nazis marched recently through a historically black neighborhood in Nashville, Tenn., according to WKRN-TV in that city. Most of the Nazis marched with their faces covered. In an online video I found, they were followed, and someone shouted, “Why are you hiding your faces?” The most interesting statement I heard from the guy following them was, “Your grandparents must be very proud of you.”
Their grandparents might be those who fought against Nazi Germany or lived during that time. The questions I have are these. Why do these people hate someone different from them? Did their parents or religious leaders fail to teach them to love and respect others? Sadly, if you search online, you’ll learn what’s infected Colorado has happened in several other states nationwide. Please keep exposing the hate!
Howard Amonick, Aurora
Founding Fathers did not want Christian nationalist state
Sometimes, I can’t believe we live in the year 2024, especially when I hear about those extreme factions that want to turn this country into a Christian nationalist state. These are the same people who incorrectly argue that our country was founded on Christian nationalist principles.
Well, let’s go back to 1789 when the First Congress adopted the Bill of Rights. What was the First Amendment? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The Founding Fathers decided that this amendment separated us from European powers that relied on one religion governing those in power. Thomas Jefferson wrote on this subject:
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“I am for freedom of religion, & against all maneuvres to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another; for freedom of the press, & against all violations of the constitution to silence by force & not by reason, the complaints or criticisms, just or unjust, of our citizens against the conduct of their agents.” (Jefferson letter to Elbridge Gerry)
There were those who wanted a national religion, but they were fought back by Jefferson, James Madison and others. So, let’s get one thing straight: Those who advocate for a Christian nationalist state should be rebuked by the citizens of this country, as the Founding Fathers did to those who wanted a Christian national government back in the 1790s.
Ray Tillman, Westminster
Sizing up candidates: “Watch what they do”
Instead of the sparring between Democrats and Republicans on things that are not major issues, voters need to look at the policies of both parties. Joe Biden and Donald Trump are only three years apart, and people are arguing about which one has dementia. Watch what they do and not what they say. Examine the candidates’ records before you vote.
Judith Coleman, Thornton
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