To the Editor:
Re “They Had been My Pals for Years. Trump Tore Us Aside,” by Artwork Cullen (Opinion visitor essay, Feb. 8):
I have to thank Artwork Cullen for his fantastically rendered piece that speaks to one of many tragedies within the wake of the Trump presidency. This lack of friendship is a divide that’s usually forgotten within the wider lens of politics, lowering the Trump impact into pink and blue states, Republicans and Democrats.
Mr. Cullen reminds us that the ugly impression of the Trump years is extra granular, chipping away at even lifelong friendships earlier than making the cracks too large to heal. Of all of the meanspirited excesses of the previous president, maybe that is probably the most unforgivable.
Paul Thaler
Bronx
To the Editor:
Artwork Cullen describes the lack of associates on account of political variations between them. He describes himself as “woke.” He doesn’t say who broke off the friendships, but it surely’s been my expertise, and people of associates of mine, that these on the left are more likely to shun and shut out associates and acquaintances with conservative views than the opposite means round.
“Should you vote for Trump I can’t speak to you anymore!” I’ve heard that many instances, after solely declaring that Donald Trump has accomplished some good issues — not that I assist him. The left has a horrible incapability to countenance differing viewpoints in my expertise.
Justin Cohen
Cedarhurst, N.Y.
To the Editor:
I take a look at folks in a different way now.
For many of my life (and it now stretches into its eighth decade) I believed that the overwhelming majority of individuals have been essentially good. At the least they have been pointed in the fitting route, even when they have been typically tough across the edges.
However with the insinuation of Donald Trump into our lives and our brains I now not harbor such constructive assumptions for the remainder of humanity. Now, my default place is if in case you have abiding love for Donald Trump, you’re a deeply flawed particular person.
He has poisoned the effectively, made me query the fundamental nature of humanity. If there’s one factor past all others that makes me so livid with Mr. Trump, it’s that he has stolen my rose-colored glasses.
I now take a look at far too many with jaundiced eyes, now not seeing them of their greatest mild, however tinted now by my perception in regards to the hardness of their coronary heart and the vanity of their thought.
They don’t deserve such reprobation. And I don’t should have my notion of our innate goodness ripped away.
However such is the lasting horrible legacy wrought by a person who has accomplished nothing however make this the divided and diminished state of America.
Robert S. Nussbaum
Fort Lee, N.J.
To the Editor:
Due to Artwork Cullen for his delicate and insightful visitor essay. He eloquently described the heartbreaking isolation and ensuing disappointment which are the true legacies of our former president. I’ve misplaced associates additionally, however I’ve additionally misplaced any enjoyment I ever had studying the paper, listening to the radio or watching the information on TV. It’s information about Trump 24/7.
And he loves it. In my view, he couldn’t care much less about truly serving to our nation or any of his followers. He simply desires to be the focal point.
Chandler Rosenberger
Suwanee, Ga.
Is the Crimson-Blue Divide Overblown?
To the Editor:
Re “Toby Keith Was an Enigma Wrapped in a Riddle Wrapped within the Flag” (Opinion visitor essay, Feb. 10):
In his tribute to the nation singer Toby Keith, Michael Patrick F. Smith notes that Mr. Keith carried out for each Barack Obama and Donald Trump. His crossover enchantment is telling of one thing broader and even heartwarming.
Our analysis persistently reveals there’s extra frequent floor amongst Individuals than one would ever guess from what’s occurring within the capital or on social media. Nationwide polling for our new Connection Index, as an example, exhibits that 76 p.c of Individuals see good in these they disagree with, 71 p.c have a good friend who doesn’t share their views and 57 p.c assume the “tradition wars” are overblown.
No marvel Mr. Keith’s fan base defied the neat pink and blue divide.
Will Johnson
Chicago
The author is C.E.O. of The Harris Ballot.
The Tiresome ‘Imply Woman’ Trope
To the Editor:
Re “‘Imply Ladies’ Has Misplaced Its Chew. Ladies Haven’t,” by Jessica Bennett (Opinion, Feb. 3):
Having served as the pinnacle of two ladies’ colleges, one on the East Coast and one on the West, I not solely disagree with Ms. Bennett, but in addition query the authenticity of a small subset of women as a nationwide pattern.
I’ve noticed simply the alternative from my college students over 26 years. I’ve discovered them to be considerate and caring and deeply concerned of their world, at all times searching for methods to speak with each other and with their lecturers as they wrestle with complicated issues with nuance and compassion. They care about racial inequity, local weather change, gun management and politics as they seek for methods to bridge cultural and political divides, whereas discovering methods to speak with each other.
I graduated from a ladies college in 1965, and even again then there have been cliques and cruelties, as there have at all times been. However I’ve lived lengthy sufficient to see so a lot of my classmates and former college students develop into good and caring girls.
I’m weary of the imply lady trope, because it smacks of a deeply rooted misogyny, pitting ladies in opposition to each other. My skilled life spent within the firm of women has been a pleasure and an honor. In reality, I might put all of my hope for our fractured nation’s future of their arms.
Priscilla Sands
Los Angeles
Vote for Drawback Solvers, Not Complainers
To the Editor:
Evidently we’re taking quite unsatisfactory means to pick out our authorities officers. Now we have been selecting the candidates who present probably the most superior talent in complaining and blaming different folks. Now we have chosen some doozies.
I might counsel that the qualities we ought to be choosing for ought to be these extra useful to the folks and to the state and the nation.
It might be higher to vote for folk who may clear up issues. The 2 talent units — complaining and blaming vs. drawback fixing — don’t actually complement one another.
Subsequent time you’re at a candidate discussion board, hearken to how a lot time the aspirants spend on every method to governance. Then you may determine whom you’d quite have main us. I personally received’t vote for anybody who solely complains about different candidates and might’t give you methods to unravel issues we’re all experiencing.
Dan Shissler
Ellensburg, Wash.
Yard Skating Rinks
To the Editor:
Re “Let’s Go Ice Skating. Within the Yard” (Actual Property, Feb. 11):
Spend $12,000 for a yard skating rink? Good Lord! Within the Nineteen Thirties my dad used his backyard hose to create a skating rink within the empty lot subsequent to our home on Notre Dame Avenue in Hudson Falls, N.Y. Value: $0. The ice was a bit tough, however we children had fantastic instances skating and taking part in hockey.
Jack Buchanan
New York
