Hostile, ineffective letter

I was appalled to see the Herald publish Bob Janz’s letter in today’s paper. Why give a platform to something so riddled with misinformation, exaggeration, and outright hostility? His letter wasn’t a reasoned critique — it was a venomous rant, full of name-calling and baseless accusations. He labeled our government leaders as extortionists, tax evaders, and anti-American, even likening them to the Gestapo — before concluding by calling them “white supremacist domestic terrorists.”

Is it the Herald’s editorial goal to amplify this kind of inflammatory rhetoric and deepen the political divisions already fraying our society? If so, that’s a deeply disappointing use of your platform. Letters like Mr. Janz’s do not foster healthy debate — they stoke fear, resentment, and mistrust and further inflame division and push people further into their corners.

Mr. Janz must feel quite superior. But knowing that a majority of voters chose this administration and platform, dismissing that Democratic choice with vitriol doesn’t make you principled — it makes you arrogant and out of touch. A little self-reflection might serve better than sweeping, hostile generalizations.

And finally, if he hopes to implement any of his views, he will need to get like-minded politicians elected. Based on what I see happening in the Democratic camp — that seems unlikely. It will require far more common-sense ideas, and a lot more appeal in tone and substance, than this letter provided.

Dave Weeks

Naperville