Regular Americans

Regarding “Letters,” (A11, Jan. 23): It’s odd that there is so much negative commentary about Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s “regular” American comment since nobody seems to be able to define what a regular American is. But whoever they are, they must be bad, given there is so much animosity. I believe Crenshaw was referring to the factory workers, waitresses, bus drivers, retired people, independent farmers, warehouse workers, police officers, firefighters, military personnel, people who toil behind a desk each day and many, many more. They don’t necessarily identify as anything other than what they are and want to earn a decent living without excessive regulation, don’t want their college loans forgiven and believe in the inviolability of our borders. However, for those who worship at the altar of identity politics, they are also Black, Hispanic, Asian, Jewish, Muslim, gay, transgender, Republican and Democrat. They just choose not to identify as such and want to be known as a “regular guy” who the government also cares about.

Kenneth Campbell, Houston

I am dismayed that the Houston Chronicle and several readers interpreted Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s reference to “regular Americans” as bigoted. To me, regular Americans are people of all races, religion and gender who are just trying to live our lives the best that we can and are tired of being told what is best for us by wealthy elites on both coasts. It is this taking umbrage at every remark by anyone who is a conservative that is causing the divisiveness in our country.

Reggie Teer, Houston