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Letter: Writer misquoted at History Book Festival

October 12, 2018

In response to Susan Patel’s letter in the Oct. 5 edition of this newspaper, I would like to add some information which Ms. Patel left out and correct her misquotes.  On Sept. 28, my husband and I attended the opening of the Lewes Historical Book Festival to hear Blanche Wiesen Cook speak about her book on Eleanor Roosevelt. As Ms. Patel stated, “We all paid good money to hear her speak.” Yes, we paid good money to hear her speak about Eleanor Roosevelt, not to push her political agenda.

What Ms. Patel failed to mention was that early in the presentation, Dr. Cook referenced today’s politics and actually pumped her fist in the air and said something about us “staying strong.” I gathered that she was not speaking to me as a conservative. I did not say anything, although I was taken aback by her raised fist and the joyous response of the liberals in the audience.  

I enjoyed Dr. Cook’s presentation after that episode up until she called President Trump that “creature in the White House.” At this point I called out from my seat, “Do not trash our president.  We do not all think like you.” That is what I said. The words “shame” and “shameful” were not uttered by me; this so-called quote in the letter from Susan Patel exists only in her mind. She should be ashamed of misrepresenting what I said.

Furthermore, when Obama was in the White House, the liberal mantra was to respect the office, even if you do not agree with the man.  What happened to “respect the office?” Apparently, it’s only if a Democrat is in the White House.  In addition, I found Ms. Patel’s list of alternative actions for a protestor to be quite amusing. Does she really believe she can set the rules for how a protestor may or may not behave?  Her hubris is astounding.

Ms. Patel states near the end of her letter, “This is America. We protect free speech.”  And her finally sentence is, “All speech should be protected.” Ms. Patel, do you see the irony in your statements as you attempt to stifle an American protestor?

Finally, I want to say that if Dr. Cook is inclined to pump her fist to rally her political cohorts and also trash a sitting president of the United States, then she should expect pushback. Conservatives have been quiet for way too long. If the liberals want to throw hard balls, they should be prepared to catch them too!

Peg Ward
Lewes

 

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