In response to Ann Schweers’ letter from last week, here are some observations.

Democrats cannot truthfully claim exclusive hold on support of civil rights in the 1960’s. In fact, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act (following the Selma march) had greater support from Congressional Republicans than Democrats.

I don’t condone hatred, bigotry, or “white supremacy,” but Schweers appears to be categorizing as haters and bigots people who believe in traditional values, support border enforcement and have some legitimate concern about terrorist acts by those who self-identify as “Islamic.”

She claims prejudice was the motivation behind opposition to President Obama. Yet, he was elected (twice) with votes from tens of millions of white voters. I, and countless others, vigorously disagreed with him on policy, and would have disagreed with him just as much if he were white.

Turning to Schweers’ characterization of President Trump, she concludes that the President personifies bigoted views and was elected because “white America” was fearful of change.

She doesn’t seem to acknowledge that legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, a weakened military, inner city crime, disrespect for the rule of law, global terrorism, an intrusive federal government, high taxes, a bloated national debt, government over-regulation, judicial activism, and President Trump’s support of an “America First” agenda for all Americans might have played a role in his election.

It has become commonplace for those of the progressive/liberal persuasion to use disparaging labels like racist, bigot, and xenophobe against those with whom they disagree, attempting to discourage dissent with the progressive viewpoint. Recently, this has been clearly demonstrated on many college campuses, with violent protests stifling the ability of conservative or controversial speakers to freely share their opinions.

Schweers calls for the “accepting of differences.” Shall we apply this acceptance equally?