Letters to the Editor

To the editor:

Authors submitting a writing for public viewing — i.e., letters to the editor — often rely on previously published documents such as the Constitution, et cetera, to support or enhance their particular view on a topic.

Author Jean Flanagan supports her Sept. 12 views on conservative beliefs by referencing “the Constitution.” She states that conservatives believe “…as stated in the Constitution, that the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is God-given….” But that quoted phrase is not in the Constitution. That phrase is from the Declaration of Independence.

Such errors leave thoughtful readers wondering as to the validity of the entirety of the writing, particularly when the author is defending the intelligence and intellectual veracity of those in the group which he/she — as a member — is defending. Flanagan sets forth a list of laudable conservative traits (“equal opportunity, responsibility for our actions, limited government, rule of law, and the freedom to better ourselves and reap the rewards of hard work.”)

As Republicans have claimed the conservative moniker, readers therefore assume that Flanagan is a Republican defending the Republican brand of politics and those carrying that banner.

In view of the fact that Republicans dominate our federal government and many statehouses throughout our nation, Missouri included, it’s unfortunate that Republicans don’t abide by the conservative traits set forth in Flanagan’s letter.

In fact, Trump Republicans have made a mockery of those tenets. And those who actually hold “conservative beliefs” remain mute, while Trump leads America into the abyss.

Michael K. Broughton
Green Park

Editor’s note: Michael K. Broughton is a Green Park Ward 1