Can we as a people, community and nation, allow our current U.S. President to perpetuate his tacit approval of hatred, intolerance, racism, homophobia and misogyny? We must voice, not simply our outrage, but our refusal to let Mr. Trump’s remarks, define us as a community, state or democracy. I grew up believing that the United States, stood for diversity, justice, equality and inclusion. Yet, the tempo of this President, continually threatens the very tenants of our Constitution, through his ignorance of not only American history, but through his almost daily displays ineptitude, exclusion and divisiveness. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Alpena is home to two hate groups, Michigan, 28 such extremist factions and nationally, 918 such militant hate groups exist, unfettered and free. When do we decry, enough?

Lynn Powell-Kieliszewski

Alpena