To the Editor:
President Trump ordered the nation’s flags to fly at half-staff after the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, but not after the killing of Democratic Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in June. His selective decision should trouble anyone who values fairness in honoring public servants.
No one should ever be assassinated for their beliefs. But let’s not pretend Kirk was a defender of democracy. He dismissed gun deaths as “unfortunate” but worth the cost of gun rights, labeled transgender identity a “mental illness,” called COVID-19 the “China Virus,” and promoted the racist “Great Replacement” conspiracy. His group, Turning Point USA, runs a “Professors Watchlist” that intimidates educators.
America has lost not a champion of freedom but a divisive figure whose rhetoric fueled anger and distrust.
Eric Glass
Saugerties, N.Y.
To the Editor:
Thank you for your thoughtful review of Sam Sussman’s book. It disturbs me that Sussman ostensibly doesn’t want to know if Dylan is his father, or who his father is. His mother surely knew and should have told him when he was young. If she didn’t, shame on her. Genetic testing was always possible—and still is. Sam deserved to know as a child, no matter what he says now.
I don’t recall reading whether Sussman has ever met Dylan, or what Fran’s later relationship with Dylan was. I’d like to know more about those aspects.
Frankly, I find the book, as presented, pretentious. Perhaps Sam has gone overboard in grief since his mother’s death a decade ago, never having known another parent—let alone a music legend. He even looks like a young Dylan. Why deny it?
Sincerely,
Karin Schumacher
Denver, Colo.
To the Editor:
Scott’s article hit the nail on the head of our perceived disconnect in this country. Much of the population has been herded into a mentality that divides and separates.
Talking with each other and more importantly listening to each other with open minds and hearts requires a real effort for some now because of too many years of complacency and apathy and frankly, ignorance and just plain laziness. Honestly, I see some of that churning within my own self and make an effort to rise above with love and, yes, effort.
Where is the love? What’s happened? Forces trying to move us away from family, and spirituality or your words, basic civility, is bringing us to a brink of unknown though predictable consequence of a reality and perception that may hold violence to be the answer fueled by frustration and anger. Sadly, that reality is totally groundless in truth and fact.
Everyone I know with different views than myself are reasonable and can listen with common sense. I’m older, true, 80 years old, and have some experience under my belt and a viewpoint that Life is precious because Life is a gift for us all. Why? Because of this precious Life can give us as individuals help to open more and more and more to the Love we all want and deserve.
The Love is there and all we have to do is put our attention there instead of on all the divisiveness. BE aware. BE discriminating. Love your neighbor as yourself…many of us were brought up under that golden rule.
With honesty, compassion, goodwill and love for all,
Sincerely,
MJ Baxter
Saugerties, N.Y.