Mailbag: Continued pursuit of liberty for all

While reading Joe Puglia’s March 16 column, “Whining is counterproductive,” I wondered if he has misconstrued “whining” with “outrage.” To whine is “to snivel or complain in a peevish, self-pitying way.” Outrage is “an extremely strong reaction of anger, shock or indignation.” Outrage can be a healthy response if it is channeled into appropriate action. The fear-mongering and divisiveness that has been the mark of this administration should outrage every American regardless of political party.

Puglia writes that he is “for protest” but gives no example of what kind of protest he supports. Political protest has been an American tradition since written into the 1st Amendment. Many national protests have been organized since the inauguration. The Women’s March was the largest in U.S. history. Could this be the “mass hysteria” Puglia is upset about? These protests are not self-pitying. They are in direct response to Trump’s racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, fear of science, cheating, lying, stealing and other injustices enacted on targeted groups and toward the American people as a whole. However, it seems that Puglia wants Americans to just shut up and give the POTUS their loyalty.

The Declaration of Independence states unequivocally: all persons are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It further prescribes, “whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these ends” the people have the right and duty to act to change it. Change cannot occur from a population that sits quietly by, which is what it would seem Puglia wishes. But wishes, like whining, do very little. Protesting is just the tip of the iceberg, the resistance is in full swing.

Louisa Verma

La Cañada Flintridge