Letters

7/23/08

Beware of outsiders

stirring up bigotry with rumors      

As a resident since 1973, I am privileged to have experienced the evolution of Hamtramck into the most culturally diverse two square miles in the midwest, if not the entire country.

I am very proud that my community has accepted the changes and that we all live together in peace and harmony. I believe Hamtramck to be a working model for the growing multiculturalism in the United States, which was founded in the ideal of equality for ALL.

We residents treat one another with acceptance and respect, no matter what one’s subculture happens to be.

I am also proud that our elected representatives voted 6-1 to pass the Human Rights Ordinance, which legally underscores the equal and respectful treatment we Hamtramckans grant one another.

However, I am very disturbed that outsiders, like The American Family Association et al, have invaded our community, stirring up a tempest of bigotry in our peaceful teapot.

What is the personal agenda that drives these outsiders to intrude into a united community like ours and promote a campaign of such divisive rumors and untruths?

Whatever, their agenda is, I ask that they play it out elsewhere and just let us continue to be a peaceful, multicultural community that works, one that points the way to the future of a peaceful, multicultural society  that is united rather than divided.

Richard Hyska

Hamtramck

‘Rights’

protection already covered by state, federal laws

In response Councilman Scott Klein’s guest editorial in the July 16 issue of The Citizen, I would have to agree with some of what he said.

A civil rights measure should be a concern to every citizen. However, Mr. Klein’s campaign appears misguided, if not frivolous. There are already state and federal laws in place protecting all citizens in regards to civil rights issues.

Hamtramck has far more pressing concerns facing it today. With a declining tax base, rising rates of crime and city ordinance violations that appear to go unnoticed, perhaps Mr. Klein should better utilize his time and position to better serve the needs of his constituency – not serving his own personal agenda or seeking the approval of some gay rights organization.

Paul Garza

Hamtramck