To the editor:

After reading Scott Burkhart’s letter to the editor  (“Civil discourse,” May 30), I had to respond. Mr. Burkhart makes reference to race and race-baiting in his letter and makes the statement, “Would you reduce your argument to name-calling rather than trying to convince those listening that your ideas are superior through proper intellectual discourse?”

I’m sure Mr. Burkhart believes what he is saying, but many apparently must not agree with him. If you speak ill of President Obama, with no reference to his race or color, a great deal of those who are ardent supporters of his (incredulously, still) will rush to call you a racist. This seems to have been the greatest gift to some who support Obama in that they will whip out the word “racist” in many instances when someone denounces the policies of President Obama.

Civil discourse? Sure, the left calls for it, all right — now. Five or six years ago? Not so much, and this seems to be more “do as we say, not as we do” liberal behavior.