Letter: We need political civility on all sides

How sad that letters condemning hatred and acts of violence against Democrats and Jews did not speak out about the Republicans being shot at during a baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, in June 2017 [“America confronts a dark side,” Letters, Nov. 1]. Four people were hit, including Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana.

Do we only acknowledge hate speech against some groups and not others? The letter writers mention the president, but not Rep. Maxine Waters, who said Trump administration officials should be surrounded and told they’re not welcome in public places, or Hillary Clinton, who said civility could not begin until Democrats regained one of the chambers in Congress.

If we are truly attempting to stop hate, then it must be for everyone, not just for those we agree with. May God have mercy on us all.

Christine M. Sallah, Bay Shore

An armed guard can harden soft targets

Two letter writers said it is a fallacy that arming a guard will prevent an attacker such as the one in Pittsburgh [“Thoughts on Pittsburgh,” Letters, Nov. 4].

No, it is not a fallacy to think that arming a qualified teacher or guard will prevent an attacker. The four SWAT officers who were shot in Pittsburgh did, in fact, contain the shooter and were unfortunately wounded. The poor souls inside were murdered before police arrived.

Let us all get the facts straight, and yes, a “good guy” qualified with a gun does in fact deter a “bad guy.” Churches, schools and synagogues are called soft targets because there are no guns to protect them.

Henry Wager, Rocky Point

Editor’s note: The writer is a retired Suffolk County police detective.

Political bullies are not welcome

The highlights of the election are bittersweet for both parties, but showed that for Democrats, activism works, and women will have an integral and important place in government [“Dems near House control,” Nov. 7, News]. The left elected House legislators who can erect the flashing stop signs to protect democracy.

Yet, I am disappointed with Long Islanders who re-elected Reps. Lee Zeldin and Peter King. Their constituents seemed to say they are wholehearted supporters of the Trumpian theory of dystopian politics. How do these voters explain to their children that it’s not OK to lie and bully their way into leadership?

Kathleen Young, Northport

The sourness depressing most Americans will have no resolution for the foreseeable future. Regardless of which side anyone is on politically, the anger toward the other has gone beyond rage to fatigue and bleakness.

Even if he is impeached by the House of Representatives, President Donald Trump will not be convicted by the Senate. The assault by Trump on our democratic institutions will be his everyday practice. The newly elected House will restrict and threaten Trump, but nothing will alter Trump from being Trump.

His base supporters will swear by any action he takes. It seems true that Trump could shoot anyone and walk away with his base congratulating him. To survive the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller and state attorneys general, Trump will declare conspiracies targeted against him fostered by the “fake news media” and Hillary Clinton.

Democratic wins in the House are a red light to Republican senators who must run in two years. Districts in some states have turned or shifted blue. Politicians love themselves above all else. The question for Republicans is whether to be loyal to Trump or represent their voters for their own survival. It will be an interesting dynamic to observe.

Ed Horn, Baldwin

I read with interest the letter that took umbrage at “Saturday Night Live” comedian Pete Davidson’s jokes about congressional candidate Dan Crenshaw’s eye patch, which is the result of a war injury [“ ‘SNL’ joke about war vet wasn’t funny,” Nov. 7].

Imagine how much more offensive it would be if the leader of the free world made fun of disabled people, Gold Star parents, certain Third World countries, “low IQ” members of Congress, “lyin” (now trustworthy) political opponents and “horsefaced” women?

I could go on, but that would be too far-fetched to use as a comparison for determining what is fair game for mockery.

Paul Pepe, Massapequa

The key concern is ‘lawful’ immigration

With respect to a high school teacher and the “immigrant” senior student he wrote about, the key word is “legal” immigrant [“Many immigrants among students,” Letters, Nov. 7].

It is gratifying that this senior’s family has become a productive part of this great nation — as mine also did by immigrating here by the lawful process, not simply walking across our borders unchecked.

Considering the overwhelming school taxes Long Islanders pay, I hope all teachers still teach the laws of the United States. Teachers should definitely inspire healthy discussions, explore viewpoints and continue to teach our laws — not encourage their own political perspectives “like a spoiled adolescent.”

Kathi Secko, Hicksville