Tea Party members deserving of respect

I am responding to an Aug. 24 letter from Julie Sass regarding this comment made by Joe Walsh in reference to Muslims: “We would be foolish to ignore the fact that there is a radical minority that wants to destroy the values that we stand for ...” Ms. Sass states that Muslims are not leading the charge against her personal values, which include “respect for differences which make America great.”

Yes, Ms. Sass, this is how this country was founded, by people of many cultures who have made America the greatest country in the world. It was refreshing to read your open-minded comment — until I read your statement that followed: “Radical Islamists are not leading the charge against those values ... Tea Party members are.”

Ms. Sass, do you really know who the people are at the core of the Tea Party? They are people of all colors, religions and ages. Many are from the Greatest Generation, a term describing the generation who grew up in the United States during the deprivation of the Great Depression, and then went on to fight in World War II, as well as those whose productivity on the war’s homefront made decisive material contributions to the war effort. Their sacrifices enable you to enjoy the freedoms that you have today.

These Americans stand for life, liberty, family and limited government, and stand by these values and principles. Their movement is not to destroy, but to restore our nation’s greatness under the Constitution.

Joe Walsh’s statement was bigoted. However, you promote values and respect for differences and then are guilty of failing to practice those virtues that you preach by accusing the Tea Party of being “radicals.” It is time to speak responsibly and stop the finger pointing.

Jan Schach

Mount Prospect