Valley News Forum for Aug. 14, 2023: Woke — more and less than it appears

Published: 08-14-2023 6:10 AM

Woke: More and less than it appears

Bob Scobie (“What’s really behind ‘anti-woke,’ ” July 28) is to be commended for an attempt to elucidate the complex subject of “woke” in a few hundred words. Understandably, his definitions for “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” are somewhat oversimplified. If these terms stuck to their theoretical definitions all might be well and good, but unfortunately, the wizards of woke have deviated into “enhanced” areas that go far beyond the theoretical definition in practice and undo all three legs of the DEI tripod. “Diversity” doesn’t seem to respect opinions of those who disagree with the favored narrative. “Equity” seems to make some people more equal than others. “Inclusion” practices cancel culture and cuts undesirables out of the group. For some reason, conservative Christian white males are considered perpetrators of white supremacy, while “woke” corporate policies, often facilitated by well-paid white males, require white employees to “unlearn their whiteness” or risk termination or sanctions.

Black Lives Matter may have had noble beginnings before being derailed by the blatant capitalistic greed of at least one of its founders who purchased million-dollar mansions. Some organizations that purport to advance Blacks are really fronts for Marxist doctrine. Throughout most of America’s history Democrats have been the party of slavery. In the 1800s they opposed reconstruction, and last century it was Democratic governors like Faubus, Maddox, and Wallace who opposed the civil rights movement. This century, Democrats have pandered to Blacks by appealing to victim mentality and tossing crumbs through misguided largesse designed to buy Black votes. At the same time, however, the Democrats encourage use of abortion to disproportionately suppress the Black population.

That’s why the candidacy of Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has genuine appeal. Scott grew up in difficult circumstances but has eschewed playing the “victim card” and is a positive role model for Blacks and for others. If not for the traditional taboo discouraging running mates from the same state, he and Nikki Haley might make a great team.

“Wokeism” has elements of religious devotion, especially with respect to climate change. It patently supplants “legacy” religions (e.g., Judeo-Christianity) and religions are mutually intolerant.

William A. Wittik

Hartford

Bidens : Trumps :: apples : oranges

Comparing these two is like apples to oranges. Hunter had two personal unfortunate issues, neither of which was harmful to the nation or democracy! Furthermore he was never in government office. Ex-president Donald Trump tried to overthrow the constitution and a fair election. Check out the Berkeley Research Group which was hired by republicans to look for fraud in the 2020 election. The answer was none , more proof that Trump knew he’d lost but still spreads the Big Lie. And not surprisingly that report was never made public but you can look it up.

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Even comparing Hunter to Trump’s children, who were part of the administration, is more apples to oranges. Their use of the presidency, their office, and their illegal misdeeds were far more widespread. Anyone who thinks Hunter is being treated with kid gloves and thinks the Trump’s are being victimized doesn’t understand the severity of Trump’s astounding charges. Fox News will continue to talk about Biden while withholding the damaging evidence of Trump’s charges. Don’t forget, Rupert Murdoch agreed that Fox lies and fired Tucker Carlson. Let’s look at the truth!

President Biden has served 46 years in the U.S. government through the most devastating family tragedies a man can endure. Still he has retained his courage, compassion, integrity and morality.

His career has been unblemished, he has reached across the aisle and does not blast his opponents. He has not personally targeted or indicted Donald Trump. He is the president who has served this country with experience and dignity and can Make America Proud Again!

Sally Prince

New London

Trump and his cult

There must be a psych clinician at DHMC or Dartmouth College who can explain to me what is missing in someone’s life that would send them in the direction of a cult. Specifically, why would an otherwise reasonably intelligent person be supportive of someone like Donald Trump?

Thomas Franklin

White River Junction

Deer leader?

When I’m driving, and a deer passes in front of my car, I don’t look at the deer; I look in direction it came from, to see if there are other deer following behind it.

Former President Trump has been indicted on several fronts with more to come. The real question is not whether he’s convicted; it’s whether there is enough time before the election in 2024 to find him guilty of a crime that rises to the level of a offense against the Constitution, which won’t allow him to run.

I would argue that there isn’t. If we don’t get an even larger turnout of citizens to cast votes for Joe Biden than we did in 2020, Mr. Trump will be president again.

We cannot lose sight of the larger picture.

Barry Wenig

Lebanon