Treat freedom well and people will listen to you

During the Vietnam War, there was a clean-cut, well-dressed, Ivy League looking man who appeared before a committee to express his views on why he was against the war. He made a compelling argument. The whole time he was speaking, he was articulate, civil, sober and respectful. His presentation was well-received and talked about nationwide.

Did everyone agree with him? That’s not really the point.

The point is, people listened.

Now suppose the same guy appeared long-haired, bearded and poorly dressed, hurling insults and profanities while trying to make his point. Regardless of his right to do so, I doubt most people would have taken him seriously. He could have mentioned the cure for cancer in the process, and it would have probably gone unnoticed.

Now, shouldn’t we be able to put aside appearance and vitriol and instead focus on the actual message? In a perfect world, yes. But this is Earth and we earthlings appreciate a little class, dignity and respect when addressed.

I feel one of the reasons why America has some of the problems it does is because of how we abuse our freedoms. Freedom is very precious and, though God-given, it has never stopped man from trying to take it away. In many places, man has succeeded.

We need to treat our freedoms in a respectful, mature manner. Freedom is compromised if we don’t. What good is freedom of speech or expression if nobody listens or looks?

The right to do something doesn’t make doing it right.

— Allan Gilmour

Salisbury

For the record

Much appreciative thanks to the Salisbury Post for the recent illustrated feature article on my 30-35-year Post carrier role, finally completed.

Josh Bergeron noted the aspects of a smaller, personalized service Post route possible via bicycle.

Wayne Hinshaw managed to photograph a generally moving delivery subject.

Let the Post readership, et al, know that these two gentlemen came by in the 6 a.m. dark and cold to document and illustrate the whole last (estimated) 12,200th — and final — Don Heidt Route No. 75 carrier outing.

Bravo! And commendations from the retiring octogenarian.

— Donald P. Heidt

Salisbury

Rest of the history

In response to the letter from Steve Pender regarding the KKK documentary (“Political angle missing from stories,” Jan. 13):

I agree with his comments, but he failed to add that most of the racist Democrats of the pre-civil rights era of the mid-’60s became racist Republicans.

In the South, both parties are different today.   

— Bert Bollinger

Salisbury

Letters policy

The Salisbury Post welcomes letters to the editor. Each letter should be limited to 300 words and include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Limit one letter each 14 days. Write Letters to the Editor, Salisbury Post, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639. E-mail: letters@salisburypost.com.