Focus on message calling for equality
Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion No man who asked for and received five draft deferments should question the patriotic values of any other person. We know how that person truly feels about defending America. When his name was called, he headed for the hills. I’m talking about Chicken Stuff Trump. I served three years in the U.S. Army and don’t regret those three years, nor do I expect a pat on the back. I was glad to do it then and am glad that I did it now.The pledge to the flag ends with, “liberty and justice for all.” Not just rich people, not just white people, not just men, but all. I believe that America is the greatest societal concept in history. But we haven’t perfected that concept.Any person who feels that they are not included in “all” is being disrespected by the greater populace that ignores his pleas, and he shouldn’t be faulted for pointing out his exclusion. If, and when, that discussion is held, it shouldn’t be led by someone who didn’t answer when his country called and kept not answering four more times.Some have questioned the platform of protest. I’m reminded of the old sales adage, “He who has a thing to sell and goes and whispers in a well, will not make as many dollars as he who climbs a tree and hollers.” The NFL is a damn big tree. The problem is that the message wasn’t well received, so it was twisted by someone who has excelled at getting out of doing the right thing.I don’t pretend to know how to resolve nor lessen prejudice. But pretending it doesn’t exist will not get us closer to perfecting our country.Frank ElflandCharltonMore from The Daily Gazette:EDITORIAL: Beware of voter intimidationPolice: Schenectady woman tried to take car in Clifton Park hours after arrest, release in prior the…EDITORIAL: Find a way to get family members into nursing homesEDITORIAL: Urgent: Today is the last day to complete the censusEDITORIAL: Thruway tax unfair to working motorists