Exactly what is the debate over hate speech ("Maryland Lt. Gov. Rutherford under fire for hate speech comment," Dec. 2)? The lieutenant governor is absolutely right that hate is not new. The governor's prescription "to take a deep breath" is also spot on. What is Donald Trump to do other than "forcefully denounce" hate speech?
Susan Turnbull says that the "anxiety that is going on about this is pervasive." I think it may be pervasive among the shocked, whining Clintonites who want to somehow connect Mr. Trump to the increased incidents as if there is a causal connection that can be attributed personally to the president-elect. They are assisted by groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center which, ostensibly, monitors hate groups while hating everything even modestly right of center.
At least The Sun has the courage to note that the actual physical assaults appear to be coming against the Trump supporters, rather than the other way around. That doesn't seem to register with most of the mainstream press.
Thomas F. McDonough, Towson