Leaders, set a good example

President Donald Trump and others blame current national unrest and hate crimes on lack of unity. Yet the President refused to pick up the phone and call Democrats, including former presidents whose lives were threatened by one of Trump's supporters. What a golden opportunity to reach out and demonstrate what it takes to promote unity.

Shouldn't a leader be an example of what he expects from others? Leaders should treat others the way they feel they deserve to be treated.

The solution lies in what was supposed to mean to be an American, namely respecting the rights of others to disagree without demonizing and destroying them for doing so. A revival of maturity and respectful treatment of opponents could solve, even prevent problems.

The idea that insulting, demeaning rhetoric coming from the White House doesn't sway people's minds and affect their actions is pure baloney. If words don't influence minds and actions, why do we have schools? Why is so much money poured into advertising? Why do politicians bother to make campaign speeches? Words do motivate people for good or evil.

Consider the chaos the present trend is producing and get back to common sense.

Margaret Bartlett

Cedar Rapids

' Editor's Note:

Due to an abundance of election-related community letters and limited newspaper space, some are being published only online in an effort to include as many voices as possible.