Letters to the Editor: Protests Are Good; Civility Is Required

Protests Are Good; Civility Is Required
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Although I don't support many of the plans for change that President Barack Obama is trying to have us believe are necessary, I'm disappointed to see that a club in Shockoe Bottom would demean the president of the United States by displaying a banner featuring him as the Joker. I'm thankful for the freedoms we have in America but we must act responsibly as we exercise those rights, many of which are denied to citizens of other countries.

There are other ways to show our displeasure without poking fun at the president in such a distasteful and hateful way. Phone calls, letters, and e-mails to our elected leaders or newspaper editors; supporting discussion groups in town hall-type meetings; and other means of protests are available. Demonstrations and banner-carrying, done without showing contempt, can get the message across without long-lasting offense to those leaders we are criticizing.

It takes both freedom and responsibility for our democracy to be strong. Many of those who wanted freedom, without taking responsibility, are in prison today. They didn't understand the adage, "Your freedom ends where my nose begins." As we strive to maintain our democracy, we must speak out, but may our protests be peaceful and within the bounds of civility.

Nancy G. Hill.
Chester.

Instead, let's talk about my mother and her sister. As genetics often dictate, both sisters were afflicted with breast cancer. My mother's cancer was detected in an annual checkup. Two days later the cancer was removed and chemotherapy treatments began. Twenty-two years later my mother is in excellent health.

Unfortunately, her sister lived in Cuba. When her cancer was discovered she waited patiently for her surgery. Government bureaucrats decided her place in line. By the time my aunt's turn came up her cancer had spread and her life would soon be over.

Health care in Cuba is horrific. Medical care is free, but people get exactly what they pay for. Those biotech developments Loughran mentions fatten up the Castro brothers' accounts, but do not reach the Cuban people. Cubans cannot get basic medicines such as aspirin or even vitamins.

Sounds like where we want to go, doesn't it? Michael Moore wouldn't seek treatment in a Cuban hospital not intended for tourists. Even Fidel Castro doesn't trust his own system and brings in European doctors for his care. Perhaps if he used the Cuban system, the Cuban people would now be free.

Our system needs improvement, but don't insult our intelligence by comparing it with the Cuban system, unless you've been there and endured it yourself.

Manuel Alvarez.
Sandy Hook.

When Zelaya ignored a Supreme Court order and violated the Honduran constitution, its legislature, in conjunction with the courts and the military, had Zelaya arrested and expelled. They followed their constitutional requirements for replacing the president and elected the vice president to hold the office until the already scheduled presidential elections in November, which Zelaya was trying to subvert.

To our shame, the Obama administration has given its full support to Zelaya and is using harsh tactics to pressure the Honduran government to reinstate him as president. Why is our administration punishing this struggling democracy? Is it trying to curry the friendship of dictators like Hugo Chavez?

If the U.S. persists in punishing democratic Honduras, we should not be surprised when another socialist dictatorship arises in the Southern Hemisphere.

Elaine D. Hanger.
Chesterfield.