Page detractor is taken to task

I am responding to Clarence Page’s Feb. 7 commentary, “Why President Trump needs a history lesson.”

First, it’s Frederick Douglass, spelled with double “s.” Mr. Page wrote that since Mr. Douglass died in 1895, he is generally referred to as a “was” not an “is.” President Trump’s statement appeared to refer more to Mr. Douglass’ body (“was”), not his spirit (“is”).

He wanted a more significant message concerning Black History Month than the presidential tweet — short and superficial mention of the four big heroes of black history: Douglass, Tubman, Parks and King Jr. Not even a shout-out to Booker T. Washington or W.E.B. Du Bois.

As to the writer’s other points: 1) Banning immigration from several countries and delaying for months those of a particular religion is anti-immigration; 2) Tired of open borders? Will we build a wall with Canada, too? 3) Political correctness? Next time you describe your friend’s kid, use the words you really want: “fat,” “ugly,” “stupid,” “clumsy.” No, you’ll probably be kinder and gentler; 4) “Murder of innocent unborn babies”? Get behind Planned Parenthood’s contraceptive initiatives. 5) Bathrooms and gay marriage? Get over it. It’s 2017, not 1717.

Grady S. Burgner

Amy Maxwell

Send letters to Good Deed, c/o Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401 Email: gooddeed@timesfreepress.com or fax: 423-668-5058. Photographs encouraged.