Opinion: Protest Trump, but don’t skip school to do it

To the editor: I agree that everyone has a right to protest, but not on my dime. My tax money is paying for these kids’ schools; I don’t expect a thank you, but to have them walk out in the middle of a school day to protest President-elect Donald Trump is unacceptable. (“Los Angeles students stage walkouts to protest President-elect Trump,” Nov. 14)

Interestingly enough, The Times reported that Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Michelle King told the students that they should not leave school. However, the district seemed to approve because “shortly after noon, school buses began arriving at City Hall to pick students up and take them back to class.”

This election could be an important learning experience for these kids. In the United States, we obey the results of the election. The students can take part in a discussion about ways to enhance their position instead of marching around.

It appears to me an important civics lesson is being missed.

Rita Cornyn, Los Angeles

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To the editor: From the suffragettes to Vietnam to civil rights, protests have been the instruments for change. I’m in my twilight years, but for the young people it’s their country and future that motivate their demonstrations.

Trump would be well served if instead of tweeting contradictory messages he would rise to the level of a statesman and ask the protesters to form a committee and meet with him to discuss their fears.

Sadly, I don’t think the president-elect will reflect on the significance of a polarized populace that sees him as a divider rather than a uniter.

Michael Fox, Pasadena

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To the editor: The continued placement of anti-Trump demonstration pictures and reports on the front page of your newspaper reinforces the resolve of the “deplorables.”

You do a great service to the pro-Trump forces by including in the pictures people waving Mexican flags. Keep up the good work.

David R. Gillespie, Bonita, Calif.

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