I have some questions regarding the current debate over abortion rights in this country. nnWhat do Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett really know about abortion, especially in the case of rape and incest? Their smug attitudes really reflect the divisiveness in this country, partially caused by people like them.
Were they born knowing that their biological father was a rapist? Was their biological father their uncle? Were they born with four strikes against them in a three-strikes-and-you’re-out world? Would either of them adopt an unwanted child if they personally voted to oveturn Roe? Did they grow up being teased or bullied because of a situation over which they had no control?
Did they grow up in the confines of an orphanage? Have they ever been poor, hungry and on food stamps? Have they ever lived on the other side of the tracks? Have they ever faced the stigma, shame and sorrow of knowing that their real parents didn’t want them, love them, or have any desire to be a part of their life? I don’t think so.
You see, people like them make decisions based on politics, not morality or the sanctity of life. They so callously and sanctimoniously spew out from their safe and sheltered world. They go home at night to their little Shangri-Las, free and clear of the suffering and hardships that their political decisions impose on unfortunate people they don’t know anything about or particularly care about, safe and secure in their lifetime jobs paid for with taxpayers’ money, some of which, ironically, comes from the very people they throw under the bus, solely for their own political benefit.
MIKE EKLUND, Mercer, Wis.
I read with interest your article on trucking and the various reasons (all valid) for the shortage of truckers. nnMy husband drove a truck for 19 years with different companies and for himself. The yearly salary proposed of $150,000, while surely welcomed, is not feasible due to the extremely high cost of goods that would result. Then you would have people screaming.
If and when self-driving trucks become safe, many companies will employ this means, with no regard, of course, to salary, time off, or sickness; not to mention insurance. And this trend will continue into other avenues of employment, with the workforce of the common man placed in lockdown.
ANITA L. GRIFFITH, Vermilion, Ill.
Of course New Jersey’s most infamous conservative quack, Dr. Oz, is running for the US Senate as a Republican — in Pennsylvania. Sure … why not? The concept of “truth in advertising” has never been a strong suit for political and/or scientific charlatans, so a crackpot carpetbagger from Jersey will be on the GOP ballot in Philly.
Not only does the GOP Senate contingent have unrealistic expectations about their electoral chances in 2022 (they couldn’t be more overconfident if they tried), after awful ophthalmologist Rand Paul got his ass kicked by his neighbor, how will the GOP handle it when this deranged doctor Ozzy from Jersey gets demolished by a Democrat from next door in Pennsylvania? (Not well, no doubt.)
The best part of this silly situation with the Senate of course is that either way this goes, Dr. Oz will be losing his lousy TV show, which will in itself be a positive and welcome cultural development in 21st Century America. Best of luck selling your stupid snake oil in Pennsylvania, Dr. Oz, when they already had Quaker State oil there!
So, ahead of time, I’d just like to give my personal thanks to delusional Dr. Oz for committing career suicide after Dr. Oz loses to his Democratic opponent in 2022. Hasta la vista, Dr. Crazy.
JAKE PICKERING, Arcata, Calif.
This new year finds our political landscape a battlefield of bitterly opposed opinions and rancor — certainly an unhealthy condition within any sovereign state. It’s imperative that some sense of affinity or camaraderie be spread as oil on troubled water, impelling less raw antagonism and more willingness to compromise.
Lincoln understood a house divided would soon collapse. Our beautiful mansion has become so divided that it’s very walls and foundation afford an uncomfortable sense of danger.
The only way to buttress or bolster our vast common residence is by earnestly and urgently seeking to understand the threatening antagonisms. We are all loyal Americans, though ardent with differing perspectives and proposed solutions.
Let us lighten the prevailing mood, strive toward common ground and affinity. Every new circling of the sun is fraught with potential possibilities for a finer patriotism to be ours.
WILLIAM DAUENHAUER, Willowick, Ohio
I have a suggestion for the national Democrats in terms of how they can be fiscally responsible and pay for the “Build Back Better” proposal without adding one cent to the national debt and the federal budget deficit. Have the Congress pass Donald Trump’s 1999 proposal to institute a new “National Wealth Tax” of 14.25% on all individuals with a net-wealth and net-worth of $10 million and higher. That would generate more than enough new revenue to pay for it. Yes, he really did make that proposal.
Just look it up. The opinion editor of “USA Today” loved it. So do I. I think it is the best idea that he ever had.
STEWART B. EPSTEIN, Rochester, N.Y.
A human being is a human being is a human being. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors and hues, dependent on origin of birth and inculcation. They may speak a different language, but as citizens of this nation and human beings they are to be afforded their inalienable rights and common decency due all human beings, for civilization’s continuance is dependent on compliance. The Egalitarian Quest.
FRANK ROHRIG, Milford, Conn.
From The Progressive Populist, February 1, 2022
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