Letters: Readers discuss having the name ‘Trumper’ and the parties’ big conventions

Reclaim my name

“Good morning, class. I’m your substitute teacher today. My name is Mr. Trumper, no relation.” This has been my go-to introduction in recent years, and it never had to be this way.

A quick Google search of my last name reveals a trove of news stories about right-wing populist protests, the people who protest the president himself (#NeverTrumper) and all the colorful Urban Dictionary definitions in between.

I write this in an effort to make my family name ho-hum and insipid once again.

Before 2015, searching my name produced a much different story. Who could forget Victor Trumper? According to Wikipedia, he’s the most stylish and versatile batsman of the Australian golden age of cricket in the late 19th century. What about Geo F. Trumper, a master barber and perfumist who catered to London’s elite during this same period? Perhaps there would be more, had there been a different 45th president.

The name Trumper is semi-uncommon and painfully Anglo-Saxon. It doesn’t deserve association with anything further than that. I’m asking journalists to adjust their copy style to change “Trumpers” to “supporters of President Donald Trump.”

Regardless of whether the media follow that advice, I’m here, and I want to Google myself with peace of mind.

- William Trumper, Independence

No real choice

Since we already know who the candidates for president are going to be, why go to the time and expense of the national conventions?

- Janice Masiero, Overland Park