Protesters violated basic American freedoms

Re: "Trump backlash swift and loud, but does it matter?," March 12.

As one who was born and raised in Chicago, I was deeply ashamed to read of this sad and embarrassing incident during a recent business trip to this great city.

Our nation was founded on the democratic principle that we can respectfully and civilly disagree with one another, but always strive to allow everyone's views to be heard.

When violent thugs disrupt a civil and peaceful event to such an extent that they prevent a presidential candidate from speaking for fear of his own life, they will only make matters worse in our struggling and increasingly polarized society.

When people are afraid to speak out, we no longer have a democracy but something far more terrifying.

Shame on the anti-democratic "protesters" for fouling Chicago's good name and for contributing to the chaos that may someday destroy us all.

Michael Pravica

Henderson, Nevada