Yount, Molitor - and John Gurda
Karl Hertz Thiensville in prayer and is lauded for his display of religious beliefs.
A monotheistic religion has so intertwined itself in government policies that politicians even claim the founding fathers founded the country on Christianity, whereas nothing could be further from the truth.
“United” States of America? I don’t think so.
Gregory F. Johnson
Rights and responsibilities
I have read many great commentaries and letters published in our papers recently regarding what is happening in our great nation. I agree that we need to hold our leaders accountable.
We also need to hold those who break the law accountable, regardless of their positions in law enforcement, government, civic group or the citizenry of our great nation.
With all the talk about rights in our society, it is frustrating that very few bring up the fact that with all rights come responsibilities. My parents taught me young that our responsibilities come first — following the law, following rules at school and in the workplace, respecting authority, being productive members of society and having consideration for our fellow citizens.
Any free, lawful society can only maintain the freedoms and rights for its citizens if the vast majority of its citizens respect the laws, respect law enforcement and respect each other. Those who break the law need to be held accountable, and when convicted, lose some of those rights.
Many schools are now incorporating the concept of responsibility into the curriculum and school culture. This needs to be taught in the home, as well. Kids learn what is modeled for them. Parents, grandparents, and other adults need to model respect for authority and take responsibility.
This is the time for all of us to think about our responsibilities as citizens, not just about our rights. We live in the greatest nation ever to exist in this world. Let’s work to make it even better.
John Gurda’s insightful examination of the struggles our ancestors experienced and overcame during the Great Depression and World War II, and its comparison to the travails brought about by the coronavirus, was the most inspiring and hopeful piece of journalism I’ve come across since the pandemic profoundly impacted our way of life (“State has seen trouble before,” June 14).
Gurda showed us the sacrifices our ancestors had to make, and how they overcame hardship with iron-clad perseverance. At the same time, Gurda gave us encouragement: If they could “rebuild and recover,” why can’t we? His writings always remind us of the importance of preserving local history so that it can be used as a beacon of light to guide us through our current adversities.
If I were to comprise a list of my favorite things about living in Milwaukee, John Gurda’s enlightening historical accounts would top my list, along with memories of Paul Molitor and Robin Yount and the baked potatoes at the Wisconsin State Fair.
LUCIUS NIEMAN
HARRY J. GRANT
Linda Wetzel
Matthew A. Perta
SOLOMON JUNEAU