Negativity from readers

Dear Editor:Every Friday, I pick up The Downey Patriot and rush back inside in hopes of finding a different tone. I usually begin by reading the Editorial section. Reading this section makes me feel as if I get a brief snapshot of the community I have been a part of for the past 20 years. I have to admit that when I open to this section, I am hopeful; hopeful that the hate mongering and anger will fade, hopeful that this community - which prides itself in its Christian roots - will apply the gospel of compassion, empathy and love for the downtrodden. However, the tone is always the same. People who demonstrate the constant disdain for a congressperson because she is not driven by scapegoating the ills of society on the most vulnerable members: children, the poor and the elderly. I know I won't change the mind of any of these regular contributors but what a sad state of living they have chosen for themselves. They have chosen to spend the rest of their days looking at a glass that is half empty, while wasting their soul away in negativity. I would like to offer them an open invitation to volunteer at the school where I work. Would their heart soften after helping a child learn to read, write or multiply? Would their day be brighter after working with a group of young, innocent children who will love them the minute they walk in the door, simply because they are giving them their time? After such an investment of time, I don't think they would hate them or even accuse their parents of being criminals. They eventually would stop the hype of how "Mexicans are stealing their grandchildren's spot at a university." I think their Christian heart would soften and their soul will rejoice. The invitation is there, the result may change their life. Marisela Padilla, Downey

********** Published: April 12, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 52