Loretta Sanchez, Muslims, Obama

Loretta Sanchez is onto something

Re “Sanchez draws heat on Muslim remark” (Page 1A, Dec. 12): The only differences between the inconvenient truth spoken by Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Al Gore is that Sanchez spoke correctly and accurately, but in a politically incorrect way.

Her words were thoughtful, measured and consistent with what we know about radical Islam. Her words were completely inoffensive, unless, of course, your ignorance, denial and hypersensitivity to political correctness kicks in.

She parts company with the Council on American-Islamic Relations by speaking the “blasphemy” that many know to be true. I might vote for Loretta Sanchez for U.S. Senate.

It’s tiring to be politically correct

We have grown to be apologetic for everything and anything, eventually acquiescing to any and all demands, never to openly differ or criticize.

Organized groups advocate freedom of speech, discussion and understanding, yet they are the first to deny it to others who differ with them. This is true with groups in political parties, college campuses, minorities, and numerous social issues. If you don’t espouse exactly what they believe, they call you a fanatic, a racist or phobic. There is no room in their world for a different opinion.

If they want understanding, they must understand that others have the right to a different opinion, and to express it. Then discuss it with them, don’t pillory them.

We’re ignoring history’s lessons

Re “Muslims in south state fear suspicion, reprisals” (Page 3A, Dec. 13): Salma Mahmoud walking across the UC Riverside campus was verbally abused by a stranger. This is ignorance, pure and simple ignorance. This demonstrates a reflection of the 1920s and 1930s in Germany. When will we ever learn?

Muslims denounce radical Islam

Americans are becoming fearful of Muslims in America, and it will only get worse. Until a Muslim who carries some weight tells Islamic extremists, to their faces, that they are wrong, evil and brainwashed and are the cowards they are, Americans will continue to distrust them.

If no one speaks up to denounce these ignorant radicals, that tells me that quiet Muslims must agree with the actions of their ignorant brothers.

My question is, why come to America if you feel it necessary to openly show your faith? Faith should be a private belief, not something to openly flaunt. I feel America is being used because of its freedom for all.

Muslims must face radical Islam

Some people complain about the reluctance of moderate Muslims to speak out against Islamic State. This is a misconception. The vast majority of Muslims oppose terrorism, but peaceful Muslims don’t make headlines.

If it is the intent of The Sacramento Bee to provide a counterpoint to the hateful rhetoric of Donald Trump and others, then make the effort to give a voice to Muslims who speak out against terror. They certainly exist.

Obama’s mess will take years to fix

Re “195 nations agree to cut greenhouse gas” (Page 1A, Dec. 13) President Barack Obama has achieved a world treaty to end climate change. Problem solved.

Now, hopefully he can focus on real problems like stopping terrorism, helping the terrible economy, ending homelessness and increasing employment. It will take decades to clean up the mess this president has created.

Here’s what’s truly frightening

Scared of Taliban, ISIS, jihadist terrorists? None is more terrifying that driving next to a mom arguing with a kid on a cellphone, while the guy in the other lane is texting his wife to see if he can pick something up at the grocery. Every time I get in the car, I wonder if this is the day when a distracted driver is going to barrel through a red light while reaching for a cellphone that slid off the seat.

Christmas in California

Re “California is the creator of our Christmas traditions” (Viewpoints, Dec 10) Congratulations to columnist Joe Matthews for opening my East Coast childhood eyes to the greatness of our California Christmas traditions.

As a New York kid, I had snow, Catholic choirboys and a tree at Rockefeller Center. Now I know that Irving Berlin was writing “White Christmas” at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Merry Christmas.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Loretta Sanchez, Muslims, Obama."