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Letter To The Editor: Racism, rancor and recklessness
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I love my country; I weep for my country.
What was to be an honorable campaign among honorable candidates has degenerated into racism, rancor and recklessness. We are, or should be, above bigotry and hatred because of a candidate’s race, creed or beliefs.
Some in hostile crowds have been captured on tape shouting: “kill him,” “bomb him,” “terrorist,” “he’s an Arab” and “I won’t vote for a black man.”
Is this the great nation in which, “all men are created equal with certain in alienable rights” or is this a society that tolerates irrational hatred?
Vote for whomever you choose. Strongly support whomever you choose. That is your American right. But, for the love of God, put prejudice and bigotry behind us lest we become no different from those who would destroy us, and our precious freedom.
Monte Lazarus
Marco Island
Comments
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Well stated, Monte. Can't improve on that.
Chuck Kiester
#1 Posted by ChuckKiester on October 15, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
“kill him,” “bomb him,”. Those words go beyond hate. They call for an action. They are as dangerous as yelling "fire" in a crowded theater. They are similar to the words I heard in a small Church, during a local Marco Island Political meeting. A participant yelled "they should be shot". I recall Mr. Monte Lazarus was present in that Church and acted as a leader of the political organization making a presentation. An organization whose purpose ironically was to bring about, a City resolution to impose civilty in our community's political discourse. I agree with everything you write in this letter Mr. Lazarus and I applaud you for writing it. I just wonder where your mind was that night in that small church, when you said nothing.
#2 Posted by Fossil on October 15, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fossil, you are pitiful and dishonest! The Celebrate Marco meeting you speak of took place at Mackle Park, not a church! It was an unfortunate and inappropriate statement. But that one emotional outburst pales in comparision to what our city council and staff has had to endure over the last three years from the likes of individuals like you!
Monte, great letter and thoughts and although we disagree on our choices for President I wholeheartdly agree with your message.
#3 Posted by ejburger on October 15, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why would anyone ever applaud monte...for whatever reason.
#4 Posted by van on October 15, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
#5 Posted by playballonK on October 17, 2008 at 10:50 a.m.
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