Many remaining silent on future of democracy

It is heartening to see Tylerites participating in community conversations by speaking out on the editorial comment page about the moving and banning of books.

However, the analogy of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titantic is appropriate here. The statement “Our democracy is at stake,” has become a cliche and in the “Yada, yada” category. A democracy requires at least two functioning political parties who are working under a common parameter. In our case, The Constitution.

My father’s Republican Party no longer exists. It has been taken over by the MAGA group who has pledged allegiance to one man. This group publicly announces their plan for the United States. They are planning and taking actions now to dismantle our governing structures and hand over their power and functions to their leader, whom they plan to elect to the office The Presidency. They have already secured court justices. They have aims on the Department of Jusice, as well as the Cabinet and probably any other department which stands in their way. The main requirement for powerful positions seems to be avowed loyalty to the leader. It seems this is just the beginning. This is happening in our Texas and United States MAGA-led parties.

If you were part of the former Republican Party that stood for the Constitution and integrity, what are you doing now? Most are remaining silent. The coming primary elections may give you a choice. For the future of your children and the United States, you must pay attention and support leaders of integrity who will keep our democracy and ensure liberty, justice, equality, and prosperity for all.

Pat Parsons

Tyler

Age appropriate placement is not book banning

In response to the Oct. 20 guest column by Cate Carrejo — mom of a 12-year-old with autism, dyslexia and ADHD — age appropriate placement is not book banning.

As a nurse, I understand the challenges children face in the areas of reading and learning with the above diagnoses. Every parent would be elated to have their child look forward to a trip to the library to expand their understanding of the ever changing world.

But one must also ask, when is our brain fully developed, capable of processing information and making emotionally sound decisions? Established neuroscience on brain development defines most people’s brains only reach full maturity at age 25. Adolescents cannot appropriately process, nor realize this material may be fiction versus real life experiences. But our children are exposed to sexually graphic and vulgar material found in the teen and adolescent library sections. How does an adolescent discern that graphic sexual violence, rape, pedophilia, and incest are not routine or acceptable behaviors?

The Federal Communications Commission regulates public airwaves for indecent and profane content between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. because it is against Federal Law to publicly broadcast indecent and profane content that is harmful to children who may be present. Shouldn’t children have this same level of protection from harmful content in their public library?

Relocating a book into the appropriate section of our library is not banning books; it is protecting our kids.

Toni Fabry R.N. CHCQM

Tyler