Re: Nov. 12 news story.
Along with many others, I did not vote for Donald Trump but accept that he will become the 45th president.
The reason for my writing is that I am concerned with many fellow Americans who want me to “get over it,” be unified in supporting him, some even suggesting that peaceful protest is un-American.
This country was built on protest, and as someone who has demonstrated publicly but peacefully over the years regarding issues of social justice, I will not relinquish that right because it makes others uncomfortable.
If Trump wants my support and trust, he will have to earn it. That will happen by starting with an acknowledgement of bad behavior on his part.
For my fellow citizens who are uncomfortable with dissent, I recommend that you find a “reality” TV show that will soothe your discomfort. For the rest of us, we will continue our work to forge a more perfect union.
June H. Twinam, Denver
Following President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise victory, The Associated Press reported that thousands upon thousands of protesters took to the streets, disrupting traffic, in various cities across this country to denounce the duly elected president-elect.
Typical reactions by the protesters were the suggestion that “there is a constitutional duty not to accept the outcome,” that “they refuse to accept Trump’s triumph,” and that “the president-elect will divide the country and stir up hatred.”
Apparently those protesters aren’t bright enough to understand that, during those protests, the only ones dividing the country and stirring up hatred are they themselves with their hateful and divisive rhetoric.
Both Hillary Clinton and President Obama are saying Trump should be given a chance, but those who are full of hate and want to divide this country aren’t willing to extend Trump the courtesy of giving him a chance at all.
Robert E. Forman, Lakewood
So Donald Trump and all of the GOP establishment think the recent protests are unfair, and that Democratic leaders need to urge everyone to accept the election and unite behind Trump for the good of the country? Seems to me that I never once heard GOP leaders urging everyone to unite behind President Obama when he was first elected. As a matter of fact, I recall Sen. Mitch McConnell saying that the goal of the GOP was to make sure that Obama ended up being a one-term president. The GOP spent the last eight years doing everything they could to block, hinder, delay or destroy everything that Obama tried to do. Doesn’t sound very “unifying” to me.
Paul Ruzicka, Aurora
I have a bumper sticker from the Conflict Center that says, “Conflict is inevitable, violence is not.” This perfectly fits the way our protesters here in Denver have conducted themselves in the face of fear of a Donald Trump regime. Disappointment, anxiety, anger, even rage — the conflict is there, certainly –but the marchers have conducted themselves non-violently and have made themselves heard without undermining their message through mindless vandalism or violence against persons. Hurrah for them, and let’s hope it keeps up.
Brian H. Price, Denver
I am angry. But more so I am disappointed in my nation. I joined thousands to walk through the streets of Denver to defend our rights to exist in this world. I walked for myself and for solidarity for anyone who has felt fear and hate in these past few days and year. This was an election won on fear. But Denver has joined others to stand in solidarity, because we will be a nation of acceptance and love. This is not about a candidate, this is about the hatred that people are experiencing under the guise that it is OK with Donald Trump as the president.
So, reach out to your fellow Americans. Talk to those who do not agree and show compassion and love to all, for, in acceptance we can rise above hate.
Alaina Dougherty, Denver
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