Are these two Blum actions compatible?

In a guest column in the Insight and Books section, Rod Blum reminded us of National Civility Day ('We must stand up to hateful rhetoric,” July 22). In that column, he identified actions by others toward him that few would identify as being 'civil” (certainly no one should be treated in ways he described - death threats, etc.).

He goes on to ask at what point should politicians and/or citizens say 'enough is enough and all stand together to denounce hateful and dangerous rhetoric?” He concludes his column with these two sentences: 'Working together in a respectful manner to help the American people is far more important than what party is in power. And the sooner the better.”

He gets my approval with this point, especially with his suggestion that immediate change should take place.

But then, I must note one of his next steps related to his re-election.

In another section of the paper, mention is made that he would bring President Donald Trump to Dubuque to assist his campaign. I hardly think our president is a shining example of civility in the way that he deals with people. Perhaps Blum had little to do with the timing of his Gazette article, but if he is serious about the need for improving civility, can these two events following one another help that occur? But then I will sleep better knowing that greater civility surely will be aided by these two Blum actions.

Larry Bowen

Cedar Rapids