What happened to freedom and equality?
Does anyone remember when this country was known as the “land of the free” or the “melting pot of the world”?
Our country used to be one of the most diverse places in the world, where every race was welcomed, but since the implementation of stronger borders, and with the recent string of deportations enacted with Donald Trump, can we really say that anymore?
We say we are the greatest country in the world, but our health care is rated 38th, our education is rated 13th, and our economy is rated 2nd. The only thing we can truly say we are best at is military investment, despite wanting peace and being founded off of war.
John Locke and Thomas Paine, who pushed forward the ideas that helped found the nation and sparked the embers of revolution, both spoke of the separation of church and state or of authoritative powers. However, in recent times, the church and the state have never been closer to being the same.
We call ourselves free but are slaves to our wages and the culture of consumerism. We talk of equality with a fascist in the presidential office, and say that all voices are heard, and our First Amendment supports this, but then why are the voices of great minds suppressed, why is propaganda such a prevalence, and why are people killed over their opinions?
Therefore, how can we not call ourselves “the land of the hypocrites and bigots,” when the opportunities have dried up and when none are no longer welcomed, including the residents born and raised here?
Jordan Wagenblast
Pahoa
‘Embarrassing and dangerous behavior’
I’m a 71-year-old retired teacher. I taught social studies for 12 years.
(On Feb. 28), I witnessed our so-called president conduct himself in the most embarrassing and dangerous behavior in the history of our United States.
I love my country and am loyal to our Constitution. I believe in our democracy and the freedom it provides. How can anyone who believes in those principles support the disrespect and disgusting behavior our (sorry, he’s undeserving of the title) president?
Simple manners toward a hosted guest would provide one with guidance on how to treat a visiting country leader. Watching the dumpster and his idiot sidekick, J.D. Vance, treat a visiting guest to our country in the manner we all observed is disgraceful!
This is unacceptable, and it must be addressed by your paper.
Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine in an unprovoked attack. This is undeniable!
The Ukrainian people have been killed mercilessly. Anyone with a modicum of education understands that truth. To hear our president berate Zelenskyy and spread Putin’s lies is so disturbing.
He’s not my president, and never will be. On behalf of the real American people, I am apologizing to the Ukrainian people and its brave leader.
Sorry the uneducated people elected this fool!
Thomas Keelan
Waimea
