Issues without extremes
The recent article describing Hampel's Key and Lockshop's decision to display our flag upside-down and one of their employees use of the n-word to describe his opinion or description of our president-elect is a very poignant and timely picture of what I believe is one of this country's next important challenges.
We must improve our ability to talk about issues without moving quickly to the extreme. Our election process only exaggerates our daily exposure to bias, conspiracies and untruths, and our addiction to character assassination and the practice of instilling fear.
The Internet is a magnificent source of information, but it is also a platform for absolute unfounded garbage. Cable television and talk radio often offer either the absolute condemnation of a person or an opinion or the prediction that we are one short step from the abyss.
I felt great pride and joy as I sat watching our election returns on Tuesday. Our past discrimination is truly ugly, uninformed and irrational. Although still present, we took another significant step toward a day when our fellow man is exactly that.
Let us make every effort to talk about our issues without moving to our extremes.
Thomas M. Keith
Traverse City
Shocked & disappointed
I was shocked and disappointed to read the article. I am a former patron of Hampel's. Many of my friends and I are hunters and own guns, including hand guns. I am a member of a local gun and shooting club. I am licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
Rod Nyland's comment that " ... we feel our country is in distress because, the n----- got in," Hampel's upside-down flag flying and its failure to renounce Nyland's vile, racist comment are reprehensible and anti-American.
Unfortunately, the kind of thinking behind the Hampel's incident is not isolated. It reflects the twisted and hateful attitudes of too many U.S. citizens, most of whom are devious enough to keep such beliefs to themselves.
Regardless of one's political affiliation or views regarding gun control, our great country has elected Barack Obama to lead us as president. Now is the time for unity, not division and hatred. Further, Nyland's despicable comment, and Hampel's reinforcement thereof, only serve to perpetuate the inaccurate stereotype that gun owners are ignorant racists.
Jim Aprea
Traverse City
Shocked and dismayed
I was in shock today after reading the article about Hampel's Key & Lockshop flying the American flag upside-down.
First, I am dismayed that anyone would show such total disrespect for the will of this country's voters who expressed their desires in Tuesday's election. Perhaps their party or candidate did not win; but in any election someone loses.
Secondly, the use of the n-word is totally unacceptable in any section of polite society.
Lastly, I simply cannot understand why the Record-Eagle chose to give a half-page spread on page 3A to such a divisive action by disgruntled folks.
Kathleen Becker
Cedar
Couldn't believe eyes
I could not believe my eyes when I saw the picture in the Record-Eagle of Hampel's gun shop with the American flag upside-down! Then, I read in the article that someone actually said the n-word.
This gun shop is in my neighborhood, and in no way does this reflect the rest of us. I happen to be from the south and am always being teased about the "rednecks." This proves my point; they are everywhere.
Bonnie Smith
Traverse City
Appalled by immaturity
What a shameful, disrespectful, immature, irresponsible way to get attention. Hampel's flying the United States flag upside-down shows how childish and closed-minded people are. Is this country going to fall apart? It very well might, but it won't be for something that can be blamed on the president. We can and will mark it up to the proper white Americans like those at Hampel's, be it in Traverse City or any other city in the U.S.
It shouldn't matter if he or she is black, white, purple or green, they still deserve respect. That's what is wrong with this country, lack of respect for color, gender, elders and youth, handicap, illness and social status. Is this any way to teach our children to be respectful?
I am appalled by the immaturity. This isn't grade school anymore, President-elect Obama was voted in fair and square. Grow up!
Deborah Knowles
Traverse City
Shame for reporting
I am a former resident of the Traverse City area and find shame for the editorial staff of the Record-Eagle for publishing the article entitled, "Local shop flies American flag upside down."
In a time when the nation needs to come together, you take the time and space to print an article adding to the divisiveness of our country. Your choice reveals ignorance on the level of the owners of that shop. Hastily printing his emotionally charged words gains nothing for amateur journalism and fans the flames of hatred nationwide.
Your paper owes an apology to all of its readers.
Phil Kotwick
Woodbridge, Va.
Don't pass judgment
I was very upset about the comments of Hampel's employee Rod Nyland published in the Thursday issue. To make such a racial slur and then to say, "It's probably not appropriate," doesn't make it any better. Nor do Mr. Fellows' remarks.
I think we all need to wait and see what happens with the new administration and not pass judgment so early. Everyone has a right to choose his candidate and vote; someone always comes in second. What we need to do is work toward a common goal, not try to put the cart before the horse.
Hostility and violence do not solve anything as our history has shown over and over.
Ellen Gribbell
Traverse City
Brought tears to eyes
I have just read the article regarding Hampel's Key and Lockshop flying our beloved American flag upside-down; I am deeply disturbed.
I now live in Madison, Wis., and on a daily basis tell people just how wonderful our northern Michigan community is. I am extremely proud to be from Traverse City and all that it has to offer. Reading your article brought tears to my eyes.
How disgusting and ignorant for people today to still feel such hate toward another race. I know Hampel's has been in Traverse City for a long time; I truly hope, as a sign to boycott the hate, the residents of my beloved hometown no longer support such discrimination.
Meagan Warner-Alvarado
Madison, Wis.
Print this story
E-mail this story
