To the editor:
Recent events are a reminder that we should step back from the dehumanizing trend of modern politics. That trend holds that if we have a different political view from somebody else, it is all right to hate them, mock them, insult them and even suggest (jokingly or not) that they deserve to be shot. Dehumanizing human beings is the first step toward making possible far greater evils.
I saw the letters to the editor decrying the recent Fourth of July events in which participants were encouraged to throw objects and jeer at an image of the current president of the United States.
I do remember, in addition, that the previous president often was depicted by critics – literally – as a vacant-faced chimpanzee, and that more than once I heard some of my friends openly joke (at least I think they were joking) that they wished for his assassination.
So I do agree that this cuts both ways. I was not happy that the current governor of Texas refused – and was cheered for refusing – even to shake hands with the president. Good grief! Let me tell you this – if I ever have the honor of meeting President George W. Bush, for whom I did not vote, and with whom I disagreed on many topics, I will shake his hand, address him as “Mr. President,” and remember that meeting for the rest of my life.
We are pulling ourselves right over the cliff, brothers and sisters.

– Howard Troxler,
Saluda