Opinion: Don’t get it twisted; this isn’t open season on women.

On Nov. 5, a woman was attacked while walking a Gahanna trail.
On the news, a passerby stated, “This could have been so much worse … I’ve always felt safe on this trail.”
While very likely unintentional, those comments completely downplayed the ordeal the victim had just been through. Could have been so much worse? This was “worse!”
As the victim fought and escaped twice, safety was not a part of this trail. Any woman who has taken a self-defense class knows the drill of escaping a man is no easy feat. The survivor of this attack showed great strength and presence of mind.
Opinion:Harris was qualified. What does Trump’s victory say about the American people?
It’s time to stop minimalizing violence against women.
If a car was forced off the road, flipped over and the driver went to great lengths to free themselves, we wouldn’t say, “That could have been so much worse.” Should women have to guess where it’s safe for them to walk?
No.
Our next leader has not, and will not, be an example of how to respect anyone, especially women.
It’s up to each of us to lead with our speech and our actions, making it known that disrespect and violence against women won’t be tolerated, and we will stand together against it even if our leaders won’t.
Jill Gaydos, Hilliard
I read with interest both Rex Huppke’s and Gabe Roehrenbeck’s columns on Nov. 7 reflecting on the election results. 
I found Roehrenbeck’s “5 reasons for the election outcome” to be insightful and quite plausible; however, I respectfully disagree with his hope that Trump will be capable of leading without divisive rhetoric and have the ability to focus on policies that will benefit all — he has given us no reason to assume he ever would.
Which brings me to Huppke’s refusal to accept that “America is better than this” since “the people spoke” and this divisive rhetoric and bigotry is obviously what “the people” want.
I would only like to remind Huppke that just under 50% of the people that voted in this election are “better than this.” I would also like to share a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. — “While we must accept finite disappointment, we must never lose infinite hope.” 
Ann MacDonald, Dublin
I’d like to congratulate racism, misogyny and the 1% on their victory in the election. To the rest of America, or the majority as I put it, not so much. Hope your egg prices were worth it.
Ryan Beem, Columbus
Gabe Roehrenbeck’s Thursday column reflects a self-delusional dream world that is anchored more in imagination than any reality.
I truly hope the final prayer he offered comes to pass, but I believe the past has shown that it will most likely turn into a nightmare we cannot wake from. 
William Young, Etna
Immigration scare tactics were pivotal in determining the outcome of the election. If our immigrants originated from the UK or Canada, would it be an issue? Certainly not. Call it what it is: blatant racism.
Daniel Finn, Worthington