Anthony Kroll, Sauk Rapids
I agree with what Mr. Ron Scarbro says in his column on Jan. 8. He said we have freedom of speech. We should study and get a job and respect the law and be good. These are legalities that are important.
His issue was that people should be tolerant of offensive things said about them. He seems to think they should not be offended. He seems to think they should get used to it and put up with it. It is legal.
I know some people have not had the same advantages as others. They have suffered and are suffering. They have reason to be sensitive. We can help them get out of their “can’t-do-it” feelings by loving and respecting them. Offending them will not help.
I am white, rich, educated and have a passport. Not everyone has had these advantages. All have a legal right to these things but historical circumstances has held some back. It’s easy for me to hear legal, offensive things (free speech). It’s different for someone on the bottom.
We should expect more from our citizens. We are called to be noble. We are called to be polite.
We who are white, educated and have a passport could look at those people who have been disadvantaged and realize they might be easily offended by some things that pass for “free speech” and legal.
I think we all want our country to be a friendly country, and we should be willing to avoid saying (legal) offensive things that upset those who got left behind. It’s good to remember also this country was built on the sweat of poor suffering laborers.
Thank you for reading this letter, and may God bless you.