We are at a point in our history when we must confront who our “heroes” are. Statues have been toppled; streets, buildings, mascots and universities have been renamed. Even parts of our history have undergone rewrites because old narratives no longer appear accurate or merit our respect.
This has been forcefully brought to our attention with the death of Rep. John Lewis and a review of his remarkable life. He was a gentle man and a true hero in the defense of human rights and justice for all. Yet, in addition to serving 33 years in congress, he was jailed more than 40 times and beaten within an inch of his life by an Alabama state trooper. He prided himself on getting into "good trouble." I'm sorry I didn't get to know more about him earlier, because he has become one of my real heroes.
I can't help wondering how President Donald Trump will be remembered by future generations or even a couple of years from now. I'm sure however that the title "hero" or "stable genius" will not be used. This self-absorbed narcissist demonstrates willful ignorance and compulsive arrogance — hardly the traits of a historical hero.
Dennis Payne, Sandy