Can’t we all ‘get along?’

I grew up during the same era of social and political upheaval as the author of a recent guest column. I agree with him on vaccinations — politicians shouldn’t issue medical edicts. That’s why we have pediatricians to guide parents on what’s best for their children. But after that, the author lost me.

The Civil Rights Act guarantees freedom from discrimination based on race, religion, or sex — protections that extend to everyone, including LGBTQ individuals. DEI programs work contrary to Dr. King’s dream that people be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

America is a nation of legal immigrants. The previous administration opened the border to gangs, smugglers and drug traffickers, along with those genuinely seeking a better life. ICE now faces the daunting task of removing those who came into our country illegally for nefarious purposes — yet people protest.

Don’t get me started on climate change. The Earth’s climate has shifted throughout time. Glaciers began retreating over 10,000 years ago, long before industrialization. Alarmists such as Greta Thunberg who warned us that all of humanity would be wiped out by 2023; and the profit-driven policies of Al Gore and his “carbon footprint” tax, have not held up to scrutiny.

Kenny Chesney sums up my feeling best in his song “Get Along”: “Scared to live, scared to die, we ain't perfect, but we try … Drink a beer, sing a song … Make a friend — can’t we all get along?”

Adam Cooper

Cedar Rapids