Intolerance and incivility start at the top

I agree on the general substance of your June 27 editorial “United States of Intolerance.” Of course, we should exercise our common sense, common decency and common courtesy on how we conduct ourselves with those whom we may have disagreements over points of view. There are certainly many examples today of actions of intolerance on both the right and the left.

I did find it very interesting that the editorial omitted using the president of the United States as a prime example of one who has time and time again demonstrated intolerance and a failure to show common decency and common courtesy to others through his speeches and actions.

President Donald Trump has consistently made comments during his campaign rallies and as of late, his presidential rallies, that have had negative influences on the public discourse and civility in our country.

His anti-Muslim and antiMexican rhetoric, bashing the media and attacks on our judicial system are without precedent. His hate speeches emboldened by his campaign escalated after his win. Mr. Trump has at times even called for violence at his rallies against those who do not agree with him.

Tolerance and diversity have never been the goals of this president. Why didn’t the editorial criticize Mr. Trump for his contribution in raising the level of hate and intolerance that we are experiencing?

Aren’t his actions normalizing intolerance and incivility in our country? That omission was baffling to me. JOSEPH P. CORNIBE

McCandless