In 500-plus words regretting intolerance and purporting to encourage tolerance, Alan DeBoer (May 25 Viewpoint, “The grand experiment of our country is being torn apart”) offers the standard false equivalence arguments we have heard repeatedly from the right.  Undermining his entire argument, he criticizes current President Biden but fails to mention the former president – of his party – who spent a term lying about almost everything and then undermined the peaceful transition of power when rejected by the voters. Instead, he launched a multi-pronged assault on the transition of power compromising democracy and seeking to retain power.  When all legal means failed, he orchestrated a violent insurrection to remain president.

It would be great if Republicans and Democrats were able to talk rationally about issues, but this remains difficult while those claiming to be rational Republicans refuse to repudiate everything Trump has done and thereby continue to undermine democracy.  Until repudiation is forthcoming, Republicans remain responsible for Trump’s continued influence and the intolerance that has blossomed as a result of his actions and their endorsement of it. Silence is consent!

Indeed, this grand experiment is being torn apart, but by criticizing Joe Biden and offering no criticism of Trump, DeBoer’s crocodile tears fail to promote the tolerance he seeks.

Alan Journet

Jacksonville