On reviewing the Op Eds in the Nov. 11, 2016, Oxford Eagle I agree with TJ Ray that “We should unite in wake of election,” since our support of the new president may facilitate the passage of legislation that will benefit our country, contrasting with the legislative obstructionism of the last eight years. But I disagree with Michael Reagan (Get a Grip, Losers) who cannot see a contrast in today’s largely peaceful protests with those protesters in 2008 who tried to de-legitimize our first African-American president through the rise of birtherism (then promoted by President-elect Trump) and by many in the tea party who denigrated and disrespected Pres. Barack Obama and by the opposing party which vowed to place obstacles in his path, attempting to make him a one term president.

Of concern to me, as a veteran of the Air Force, was the disrespect by a few members of the military in refusing to follow the orders of the Commander-in-Chief.  Some friends, who were opposed to Pres. Obama, refused even to listen to his news conferences and national addresses. How were they ever to know what he really stood for?

Now, the people, through the mechanism of the Electoral College, have elected Donald Trump to the most important and respected position on the world stage. And I will consider it my duty as a citizen of this country to listen to his speeches, to evaluate with an open mind his policies, to support those that enhance the well-being of our wonderful, diverse and open society and to oppose those with which I disagree.

My hope is that Mr. Trump will not do irreparable damage to our democracy and that the Office of the Presidency, it self, will humble and enlighten the man.

Jeff Justis

Oxford