Re May 21 letter, “Give hate-mongers their own special place” by John Osterlitz: I “hate” to inform you that your letter has shown you to be the very undesirable American that you write about.
Everyone, regardless of age, race, Democrat, Republican, veteran, non-veteran or legal immigrant has every single right to submit an article to The Daily Gazette for possible publication in the editorial section. The Gazette also has the editorial right to choose which articles it prints.
There have been many writers I believe in and others that I loathe.
The reason I don’t write letters such as yours is that I’m the true patriot and respect their rights and freedom even if I disagree with them.
You, sir, for attempting to limit and coerce free speech and freedom of the press are not. The First Amendment (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances) of our beloved country show yourself to be not a patriot, but a part of the problem.
The greatest part of America is the individual freedoms and rights of all persons, not just the ones you believe and support.
What surprises me most is the right’s steadfast stance that the Second Amendment not be challenged or changed because it is their constitutional right, but are willing to tear apart any amendment they disagree with. A true patriot would not demand that individuals and the press give up their First Amendment rights because you don’t like the rhetoric.
In closing, you must not have read or protested the thousands of editorials printed over the last eight years spewing hate against President Obama and the Democratic Party, or you would’ve noticed that the hate hasn’t diminished. It just shifted bases.
Josh Hermance
Rotterdam
Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion
