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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Too much hatred in the air in 2015

IslandPacket newsroom@islandpacket.com
Hilton Head Island

It is easy to look back on 2015 as a year of fear and panic.

Middle East violence spread to Europe and America. Domestic gunfire blazed away, from San Bernardino to Charleston.

Perhaps the scariest of all is the bitterness spread in the opening rounds of our presidential election. Facial features, religion and ethnicity were attacked by candidates for our highest office. Do we have no decency? Is this the best America has to offer?

Anger and hatred are loud, often drowning out signs of hope. Turn off the television spewing out its constant negativity. Enjoy a walk on the beach.

Dignity and reason surround us for those who take the time to look. Pick up an American history book and read what tremendous challenges we have feared and endured in the past.

Tragedy and disaster often cloud our view of the good, the signs of hope. Here are just a few:

  • In 2015, 195 of the world's nations came together to try and save our planet from global warming.
  • Our country began friendlier relations with our neighbor Cuba.
  • Pope Francis visited America and showed us how to care for the homeless and the poor.
  • Nearby, after the slaughter in Charleston, a victim's mother taught us all when, despite her anguish and anger, she was able to forgive the murderer. She is my hero, an American hero.

    • Be still. Focus on the daily acts of kindness in our community and our in our world. It's healthier.

    Charles McOuat

    This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Letter: Too much hatred in the air in 2015."

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