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People exercising their First Amendment rights aren't 'wreckers'

In a recent column, Jeff Rea bemoans the testimony of the 'wreckers" who speak during the public comment portion of local government meetings (He wants people to be 'builders' who work behind the scenes without an audience). But not everyone has the power and influence of the former mayor of Mishawaka and the current president and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps people without that influence think that public testimony is the best way they can influence policy. We are living in a time when the president of the U.S. and his unelected associate are trying, without reference to Congress, to cut agencies and programs that provide health care, housing and education; eliminate consumer financial protection; overturn civil rights protections that have stood for 60 years; ignore the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship — and, in general, undo the norms and institutions that make this country a such a time we should be trying to protect democratic freedoms, not attacking people exercising their First Amendment rights, even if it is with decorum that we may not like. Marty Wolfson South Bend In response to Jeff Rea's 'Are you a builder or a wrecker' column in the Feb. 9 Tribune, he's talking about me as one of the wreckers. I was one of those that went to numerous St. Joseph County governmental meetings to speak against the expansion of the Indiana Enterprise Center developments in southern Olive Township. I did so mostly because I live nearby and spent my adult life building up my home, farm and family. So, you can call me a NIMBY (not in my backyard) if you like. However, I still think of myself as the builder and all of those who forced this development onto prime farmland and over the vulnerable Kankakee Aquifer as the wreckers. History will prove me right. Bob Humbarger New Carlisle As a lifelong Republican and St. Joseph County resident, I am saddened by and ashamed of local Republican officials' attacks on Councilman Dan Schaetzle. Their recent censure of Schaetzle for not being a 'Republican in good standing' is ridiculous and reflects poorly on those who participated in such a vote. For several years, Dan was my colleague at Penn High School, and we have spent much time discussing both local politics and conservative philosophy. I know that Dan is faithful to the beliefs of the Republican Party, and he has worked hard to grow the party and to promote good government for all of St. Joseph County. I respect Dan's personal character and judgment as an elected the councilman's power-hungry critics within the party seem more intent on advancing a narrow agenda that includes intolerance of diverse opinions and dissent. Dan is willing to work in a bipartisan manner with all members of the council while also preserving the council's unprecedented Republican majority. Effective governance involves more than advancing individuals or one party. The opportunities and challenges we face in St. Joseph County require the quality of leadership and integrity shown by Dan Schaetzle. Peter De Kever Mishawaka Andrew Pierce's guest column, "Don't ignore the growing injustices" (Viewpoint, Feb. 9), sadly contributes to the polarization in our society. In two important respects he chooses not to describe accurately the strength of the argument on the side of those he attacks. The pro-life marches, embraced in the nation and especially at Notre Dame, are portrayed as holding on to an issue largely resolved with the decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Pierce should know that the decision left the question of abortion's legality to the states and that our nation remains very divided about it. Many pro-life organizations, including the National March for Life, have accordingly put their emphasis on the beautiful objective of "changing hearts and minds." It is well to be reminded that there are other injustices deserving of our attention, but it is disappointing to see Pierce simply ignore the fact that most people do not regard deportation as an unjust remedy for a person who has entered the country illegally or who fails to report for a immigration hearing. Walter Nicgorski South Bend This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: People exercising First Amendment rights aren't 'wreckers' | Letters