Trump should be careful with words
I am writing concerning the Free Press editorial titled “When Presidents Speak” published Sept. 26:
Clint Cooper, author of said article, brought up some very interesting points about President Trump’s reaction to the NFL protesters. It is extremely important to realize, as Cooper said, that “In America, players have a right to protest.” This is the essence of America; we have these unalienable rights that are enumerated in the Constitution. What Cooper and I take offense with is the president’s rhetoric in speaking of these rights. As a person in leadership, Trump should be more conscious of the effect his words can have. He is actually speaking to the entirety of America when he speaks publicly. It is very disheartening to hear these careless words. I also would note it is discouraging to hear people speak of his Twitter account as if it were the law; it’s not, and his tweets hold no more power in government than ours. Whether his words are true or not, the syntax he employs is not at all appropriate for his position.
Kristen Vonnoh
Collegedale, Tenn.
Corker inspiration for public service
Since the beginning of my freshman year in high school, I got really involved in politics. I was following it on the news, social media and watched a lot of C-SPAN. I had a passion for foreign policy.
However, one senator stood out from all of them. It was Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Sen. Corker was always talking about the meaning of diplomacy and the importance of it. His opening remarks and speeches inspired me to pursue a career in politics. Because of Sen. Corker’s example, I was part of the International Human Rights Commission, joined the Model UN of my high school, joined multiple World Affairs Councils groups and even ran for U.S. Congress in Rhode Island.
I was planning to do whatever I could and donate whatever I could within FEC limits to support Sen. Corker’s re-election for 2018. I am saddened to see him go, and I wish the best for him and his family.
I hope President Trump will consider appointing Sen. Corker to a diplomatic position. He is an asset to America.
H. Russell Taub
Providence, R.I.
Protest on your own time and own dime
I married a professional baseball player. The first 10 years of our marriage was baseball with the Cardinals’ minor leagues. My husband, Sherwin, had a promising career until Uncle Sam called. He was in the Marine reserves when the Korean War broke out. After boot camp, he was kept at Parris Island to play for the Marine team. Most of Sherwin’s platoon came back home in flag-draped coffins. Sherwin felt guilty at times for escaping war to play his favorite game, baseball.
Our love of God, Mom, apple pie, the flag and the anthem is our American way. During every game, we got the patriotic flutter when we stood, had the pledge and sang the anthem with tears in our eyes.
Today our pro athletes are at work in their chosen profession. They are paid millions because we love our sports and attend many games. To protest on the field (their jobs) is wrong! Football, baseball and basketball are America pastimes. We all know what would happen if we protested during working hours! We would get fired. Protest outside of your working hours on the field, and do it on your on time and your own dime.
Zella Dixon