Praise for local high school students

Editor: Once again this year I feel compelled to write and formally compliment the McNair High School students who came out to help during the “Festival of Trees” at the San Joaquin County Museum.

These young people possess all the qualities needed to be successful in their lives to come. They are respectful and responsible. They listen carefully and ask insightful questions. They take direction and modify their approach to tasks when asked.

These are the kind of skills that will transfer to any occupation they choose and no doubt serve them well. I am thankful to their teachers, Kayla Kersey and Sharon Hagan, who went out of their way to give their students this opportunity to serve their community.

NANCY HAZEN Lodi

Progress will leave President Trump behind

Editor: Slaves of several races labored in North America longer than the length of time since the American Civil War ended in 1865. The cultural legacy yet affects social attitudes despite the passage of time and a general liberality of opinion in the population.

President Donald Trump has exploited that feeling during his tenure. Neo-Nazis salute the president with Hitlerian gestures. Lawmakers have followed his lead to enact legislation which oppresses people of color by slashing social programs on which many are dependent.

Trump’s stimulation of hatred hardens opposition to his regime. A legendary figure in the Civil Rights movement says he’s off the list of speakers at an event marking new facilities which house relics of the long struggle for social justice, in protest of Trump’s inclusion on the program.

Republican party arrogance underlies the solon’s action, according to a Dec. 7 report by Associated Press writer Jeff Amy:

“U.S. Rep John Lewis announced Thursday that he won't speak at the opening of Mississippi civil rights and history museums, saying it's an ‘insult’ that President Donald Trump will attend.

“The long-planned Saturday ceremony will mark Mississippi's bicentennial of admission into the union. But what was intended as a moment of racial unity and atonement in the state with the largest share of African-Americans is descending into racial and partisan strife after Republican Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant invited fellow Republican Trump to attend.”

In the land of the blind, a one-eyed man is king. Rep. Lewis sees clearly what GOP leaders fail to observe — the United States is making progress, however slowly, toward peace and harmony between its manifold racial and ethnic segments. Human nature inclines more toward love than hatred. People must be taught to hate.

The march of history will leave Trump behind. Those who have lifted up humankind will be long revered. As the Gospel of John records, love conquers all. Even slaves found love in their hovels, and forgiveness for their oppressors.

LANGE WINCKLER Lodi

Letters invited

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