Editor, The Transcript:
I viewed with sadness the broken storefront windows at the Democratic Party office last Sunday. So often we hear about political violence occurring in other countries or in other states, but find it difficult to imagine in Norman.
The action in the early hours of Sunday morning was not a random act. The police responded immediately to the first wave of bricks thrown through one window section. After the police left, another series of bricks were thrown at another window section with such force that they gouged the wall on the opposite side of the glass window. They could easily have killed the people remaining in the building. Most symbolic of all, this act desecrated the American flag that was in the front room.
This resort to overt acts of destruction indicates to me that for some people the system that society has set up for the honest expression of opinion has failed. Both Republicans and Democrats have the opportunity to debate in candidates forums and air opinions in newspapers, radio, the internet, and other forms of electronic media. In the end, we show support or dislike of a candidate or an issue by our vote.
For many years, I taught United States history and government in high schools in Norman, Moore, and Oklahoma City. My colleagues and I emphasized the value of participation in the political process to the students. The students debated, they studied issues, and in the end they participated in mock elections. Sunday's violent action is contrary to every principal we taught.
One last note. I fear that this action last Sunday is an example of our gradual descent into political chaos. I looked in vain for editorial condemnation for this act, but never found it. I expected letters of outrage in the Letters to the Editor section this week. Nothing.
BARBARA SCHINDLER
Norman
