×

Let’s leave a promising future

To the editor:

What happened in Washington, D.C., last week was an abominable travesty. The 1946 Battle of Athens at least had a defined purpose. This event did not. It was purely destructive. I don’t care if they were Trump supporters or Antifa or whoever. It simply was outrageous and went too far. I spoke to friends in the U.K., Austria, Germany, the Far East and even in Argentina. They couldn’t believe the disrespect exhibited. It made a mockery out of our nation, and the world is worse off for it. Citizens of other countries were shocked as to how this could happen in our “civilization?” It should never have happened, just like the rioting and looting in Minneapolis, Kenosha or Portland. The Russians, Iranians and Chinese must be rubbing their hands in gleeful Schadenfreude.

Perhaps the late Rodney King was ahead of his time in 1992 with his historic statement during the Los Angeles riots in May of 1992. While being interviewed by a TV reporter he made his, now famous, plea for an end to the riots: “I just want to say – can’t we all just get along? Can we stop making it horrible for the older people and the kids?”

Well, the time has arrived to do just that. Let’s go forward and make the best of it as a united people. We need to return to civility, understanding and supporting each other. It’s OK to have differing views — that’s why they make cars in different colors. There is no need to burn each other’s cars.

It’s time to move on, shake hands, be gracious and let’s get back to being the shining example of democratic achievement for the world. This is the best country ever and, believe me, I speak from experience, so let’s not screw it up. I’m an individual who was born in the middle of a horrific war under an atrocious murderous dictatorship, and then lived under agonizing communist occupation for 10 years, and then under socialism. Thus, I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to become an American citizen in 1971.

When I depart for that Autobahn in the sky, I want to leave a promising, successful and rewarding future for all children and my grandchildren so they will look back on my generation with appreciation, contentment and gratitude.

Peter M. Sontag

Steubenville

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today