Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I find myself again responding to a letter in the Gazette-Journal. In July, I wrote my first letter to a newspaper. I had to. I responded to the tone of the letter and to a statement that read, "so-called progressives on the left have zero love for America and even less for our Constitution and the values that grew from it." There were some other people that responded to the same letter. I must say, they did it very well.

Now this same person has written another letter that begs for a response. Her tone was milder, but to say some readers failed to read what was written, you are wrong. I read her previous letter numerous times and I believe I understood perfectly what she was saying.

How could she think people wouldn’t react and express their opinion? An opinion different from hers. And I should check my reaction before sharing it? If someone wrote a letter and said "so-called conservatives, on the right, have zero love for America and less for our Constitution," I believe many would have been offended. When one is offended, it can be taken personally.

I for one would never make such a statement, that conservatives on the right have zero love for America. I believe conservatives and progressives both have love for our country and what it stands for. We have some thoughts and ideas that differ, and yet we have some that are the same. We seem to have a problem working together, and making insulting statements doesn’t help. I love my country wholeheartedly and thank God that this is my home. I was ready to give my life for my country when I was in Vietnam. But God had other plans for me, and I pray I am living my life as God would want.

The word tolerance may not be in the scriptures, but it is in Webster’s Dictionary, as are many other words that convey love and respect for mankind. There are many words that are not found in the scriptures. The word Trinity is not found in the scriptures, but mainline religions believe in it. Christmas and Easter are not found in the scriptures, but many people recognize and celebrate them.

The writer said labels get in the way of genuine learning and discussion. That’s true. So let’s keep the tone of our letters considerate of others as we are sharing our opinions. It should make for more thoughtful reading.

Joe Mereness

Gloucester, Va.