Reader irritated by columnist whose views seem to negate right to differing opinions

Who’s ‘self-righteous’?

Leonard Pitts’ recent editorial was a mind-boggling exercise in the self-righteous mentality he so laboriously insisted could only be credited to Republicans.

He begins by making it clear that any who don’t fall in line with the rest of his article’s contentions are already guilty of the very extremism he is about to expose. Adherents, he insists, cannot be considered merely conservative political voices on the American stage, but are by nature incorrigible, unpatriotic fanatics.

Convinced of his own veracity, he assumes his worldview the only reasonable consideration for what’s normal, a luxury no one else can apparently be permitted. Any disagreement with his “common American narrative” confirms dissenters are guilty of the rebellious radicalism plaguing all who dare to criticize the current Democratic administration’s programs.

Isn’t Pitts’ liberal thinking, after all, the default standard which defines American democracy? In a true democracy, none are so callously dismissed from the political discourse.

Only in dictatorships, can citizens be considered dangerously “wrong,” as solely defined by the government or media in power.

Mr. Pitts should take a long hard look at himself before sanctioning the rest of us for daring to agree with any Republican perspectives.

David Rockwell, Beaufort

Small efforts matter

Even the smallest efforts can make a big difference to the citizens of the Ukraine.

I challenge every resident, business and restaurant owner to find a small way to donate to the Ukrainian resistance.

At ArtWare, we’re donating 100% off all the sales from every item with a sunflower on it to The Red Cross Initiative in the Ukraine.

Make a difference. Small gestures can make a big impact.

Jennifer Megliore, Hilton Head

Moderation, please

We live in an age of radical viewpoints where liberals and conservatives have reached extreme opposite ends of conciliatory dialogue for progress, thus endangering our society’s future.

Enter the application of “moderation,” described by Wikipedia as an ideological category designating rejection of radical extreme views, especially in regard to politics and regions.

“The Key of Life,” (Psychology Today, 7/4/17), states that “well-being and success rest on one principle in all things, ‘moderation.’ ”

Greek Philosophers got it right. “Everything in moderation, nothing in excess” (Socrates). “Moderation is a harmony between reason, spirit and desire” (Plato).

Aristotle considered moderation a moral virtue. Ben Franklin advised: “Never quote excess, but let moderation be your guide.”

One can conclude that being a moderate is a quality of being restrained, avoiding excess or extremes thus counterbalancing the excesses of risk by embracing moderation, a form of self control.

The lesson for each of us is to resist over responding to each situation, assess each on its merits, listen and consider all points of view while trusting common sense.

Most importantly, leave partisanship baggage behind; thinking independently without prejudice.

Earle Everett, Hilton Head

Who pays?

A recent letter on the need for affordable housing on Hilton Head seems to be missing something important.

The letter makes the old Chamber of Commerce argument that the entire community owes some working people an affordable place to live.

Why does the community bear the burden? And why aren’t these people making enough money to get a place to live? Their employers aren’t paying a living wage. Why not?

Why should taxpayers pay for their own homes and also someone else’s? Who should get these “affordable homes”? Everyone working there?

There’s the usual suggestion by the Chamber for a public-private solution, which I have found to mean the public pays, and private interests profit.

Maybe another solution is for the businesses to pay workers enough to live and pass the costs on to their customers. Then those using the services, pay for them, not taxpayers. Or businesses can always provide transportation for their employees.

Problem solved, no muss, no fuss.

Jerry Floyd, St. Helena Island