To The Editor:
Paul Hanke’s ‘Not civil disobedience’ letter may accurately point out that the removal of the controversial prayer flags in Warren was not, as Michael Levengood said, an act of civil disobedience. But I would suggest, perhaps it is more accurate to call it an act of neighborly compassion.
When Hanke goes right to the heart of the matter by saying: “Theoretically, we all have the right to pray in our own way…” I would ask: What if one’s prayers are to wish another harm? Levengood’s piece aptly listed some of the most harmful and dangerous edicts of MAGA. From not protecting all people of race and self- identifications (such as black, brown and LGBTQ lives) to not protecting all our planet by promoting deregulation of EPA rules.
To simplify, I think it’s safe to say most of us would agree on the importance of being a good neighbor, looking out for one another, being respectful, lending a hand when possible, etc. But what are we to do when we see one neighbor speaking out against another? Is it not our moral obligation to intervene somehow? To, at the very least, peacefully remove divisive and hateful messages whenever possible?
Tracy Martin
Warren
