can we be friends? Probably not.
Opinion editor Amelia Robinson asked if she could maintain friendships with people who voted for the opposite presidential candidate this year. As a libertarian, answering “no” severely limits your circle of friends.
For a long time, I was able to calmly discuss politics with people of all political persuasions. Part of the reason is that I’m neither a Democrat nor a Republican. And if it starts to get in the way of our friendship, I’m going to stop the discussion.
That being said, I’m nervous about engaging with powerful Trump Republicans. Because all too often (but not always) we cannot agree on even basic values such as respect for the Constitution. Without basic agreement, civilized discussion becomes impossible.
Harold D. Thomas, Columbus
Life is too short to throw away friendships
In your recent opinion column, “Why 60% of people polled say friendship with Trump supporters is now impossible or questionable,” your question is “What do you think? ?” So here we go. I think this is a question I asked myself.
I’m very opinionated when it comes to religion and politics, but I don’t argue about it. I am a white male Baptist and former Republican. I’m not a Democrat, but I’m currently an independent. My best friend is a friend from my army days who I have known for over 70 years. He’s an Italian, Catholic Democrat, and I love him. I have a friend who has a Trump sign in his yard. I never voted for Trump, and I never will, but I’m not going to hate them and let their politics make my life miserable. I hope they realize the error of their ways and let it go. Life is too short.
Charlie M. Miller, West Jefferson
Bedell missed the point.
I have to agree with one aspect of Briones Bedell’s editorial. I also felt that the Democratic Party’s message was excessive. I felt like I was being cornered. Unlike Briones, I didn’t feel targeted because I was female or young (which I am not). I was simply overwhelmed by the volume.
Honestly, I think the arrogance of thinking that she’s being recruited because she’s a young woman is a little “precious”. One thing I think she’s missing is that the political message about reproductive rights isn’t about extracting it to body parts, it’s about other people controlling medical decisions. That means there is.
Why did she feel called to support Kamala Harris because she’s “young, female, and educated?” Everyone gets political messages. It’s not just about her. I don’t want to treat her like a bad person. I think she’s wrong.
Holly Richard, Columbus
HB 445 threatens secular education
I am deeply concerned about Senate Bill 293/House Bill 445 and its potential to override the authority of local school boards by mandating in-class religious instruction release times. It is concerning that Congress is considering measures that would further blur the important line between public education and religious instruction.
The bill appears to be a heavy-handed effort to allow some well-funded conservative Christian groups to promote their religious views during critical school hours. Historically, such instruction has been reserved for times outside the school day where it properly belongs, such as after school or on weekends.
Witnessing these continued intrusions on children’s educational time, especially as public funds increasingly support private and parochial religious institutions, raises questions about the broader intentions behind these efforts. I can’t help but have doubts. This change raises serious concerns about a strong secular public education system and ultimately the commitment to maintaining the separation of church and state built into the constitution.
Jay Zenitsky, Columbus
Deport immigrants? Why stop there?
President-elect Trump has threatened to deport millions of immigrants. But why stop there? I propose that all convicted felons be deported. The sooner the better for all of us.
Susan B. West, Athens
Celebrating former Mayor Coleman
The Dispatch article about former Mayor Coleman was very good. But there are parts of his career that deserve mention. He cared deeply about Columbus and its residents. I worked for him in various capacities during the 16 years he was mayor.
Coleman cared deeply not only for Columbus but also for its residents. He went out of his way to meet and talk to ordinary people. There were many instances where he would stop and talk to people, but I remember a few in particular.
The first incident occurred on a spring morning as city workers were patrolling the city to remove debris. Coleman was there wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and a ball cap. As we were picking up trash, people came out of their homes and thanked the mayor for helping them pick up trash. Citizens were surprised to see the mayor doing physical labor on a day when other mayors were supposed to be taking it easy, and there were many handshakes and shouts of gratitude.
On another occasion, Coleman spoke to a citizen group about the need for tax increases because the city’s budget is stretched beyond its limits. He talked for an hour. Although there was no question and answer session at the end, the audience applauded the mayor’s frank statements. The mayor also went to civic groups around the city to explain the need for the tax increase, and the tax increase was passed because Coleman took the time to speak with residents.
He will be remembered for a long time.
Dick Graham, Columbus
A new social security law must be passed.
I am writing this letter to urge swift action on the floor and passage of the bipartisan Brown-Collins bill. The bill, which would correct long-standing fiscal inequalities created by the “windfall” exclusion clause in the Reagan-era bill, has been under consideration for more than two decades. 40 years. Current law denies millions of people, including thousands of beneficiaries in Ohio, the Social Security benefits they rightfully earned and should have enjoyed for decades. The proposed bill corrects this error and provides a budget-conscious solution with limited retroactivity. I believe this proposal has broad support in both chambers and could survive a possible Senate filibuster. I can think of no better way to honor Sen. Sherrod Brown’s work on behalf of average Americans than by passing the bipartisan Brown/Collins Social Security Windfall Act. This would be a major legislative accomplishment toward the end of the Senate session. Democratic majority. Elliott E. Slotnick, Worthington
Smart solutions to hold criminals accountable
A program in Franklin County and the city of Columbus called “Tap In Center” is encouraging residents with outstanding warrants to look both ways before walking down the streets of central Ohio for fear of being arrested. It gives you the opportunity to erase your court records. County Commissioners Erica Crowley, Kevin Boyce, and John County Commissioners for this positive program that may encourage residents to address outstanding warrants and get the services they need to stay out of trouble. Big kudos to Mr. O’Grady.
Driving license suspended? Petty theft? Trespassing? Using a state-of-the-art library system as a safe haven for this accountability program can work. One thing that most of us can agree on is that we need to maximize the focus of law enforcement resources on protecting our communities from violent crime.
Barb Sekler, Columbus
