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11:18 AM Thursday, July 2, 2009

Having been a resident of Hamilton for four years now, I have become accustomed to reading the reactionary sentiments that are so often submitted to the editor of the Hamilton JournalNews.

Here are the most common themes typically expressed:

• Barack Obama and his policies are socialist.

• “Illegals” are destroying America by taking all the jobs and speaking Spanish.

• The recession is the Democrats’ fault.

And so on.

Generally, however, most people who write or call in are supportive of the deeds of their fellow citizens (so long as they do not pertain to politics).

So it came as somewhat of a surprise to me when I picked up the June 21 Hamilton JournalNews to find a call-in disparaging a local teacher for participating in a charity fund-raiser that benefited people of another country — a fund-raiser for which she was awarded a free tandem sky-dive at a local airport.

As I thought about it, I felt my ire rising in a way that typically does not happen any more when reading letters to the editor. I have to wonder — are there no limits to the bitter reactions that people express toward actions that differ from their particular set of values?

For the record, the teacher being criticized is Missy Mefford of Edgewood High School. The caller should know that Missy is a person who has chosen to spend a career serving special needs students who live among us. She is held in the highest esteem by her colleagues, as well as the people of the community in which she works.

Moreover, she is a veteran of the U.S. Army who voluntarily served her country out of a sense of patriotic duty to the flag. So when such a person decides to dedicate her energies toward helping people in genuine need from other countries, perhaps the appropriate response is to give accolades, instead of criticism.

The common theme that seems to run through a great deal of the reactionary sentiments so often expressed here is that they all lack true depth of understanding. If people would simply take the time to engage in a little unbiased research, they might uncover some facts that would cause them to reconsider their words before writing or calling in.

Even better — it might cause them to engage in the one beneficial activity that is becoming increasingly rare in our society: Thinking.

Benjamin Peterson

Hamilton

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well lets see how this goes over .RICHARD K JONES(SHERIFF) JONES THAT IS.FOR MAYOR.

STIX
10:19 AM, 7/6/2009

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I find it amusing that the writer of this letter laments and even bad mouths those he considers are engaging in "bitter reactions" regarding Barak Obama. For eight years, that's all that was heard from those who did not agree with GW Bush... I'm not saying that it is right, but geez---I wish everyone would just quit your complaining!

tee hee
7:13 PM, 7/5/2009

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Whoooooey! we can tell your not made for WAR.ONE of the Good ol boys I bet.how many illegals work for you.more than what works for the MAYOR I BET.you think your on the thirtyfirst floor while we is on da basement floor.I can tell when someone is patriotic and pal YOUR NOT ONE OF US. (hint) when it hits and it will.dont get in front of anyones CROSSHAIRES.compliments of BILLY LOOONNGSNAKE

billy longsnake
5:09 PM, 7/5/2009

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Well said, Mr. Peterson. The complete absence of not only logic but civility from most forums (especially when anonymity is allowed) is quite depressing.

There are plenty of people out here who agree with you too -- it's just that we're not willing to enter a fight with others who agree to absolutely no rules or limits on what THEY say or write. We at least try to maintain logic and civility, unlike so many others!

Rich
9:57 PM, 7/3/2009

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You all are right. The illegals shouldn't be here. We have to patrol the borders better and punish businesses that hire them. I'm just saying that we can't deny anyone human rights. That's what America was founded on. That's why the Europeans came here in the 1600's. That's what our soldiers have fought for. Most of the rights we have are human rights. If we are going to treat illegals as animals, what will that do to America's image? What do you guys want, a police state like Nazi Germany?

JG
8:26 PM, 7/3/2009

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