Letters: Trump has failed us; Not wearing a mask is irresponsible, and more
Trump has failed us
We’re not safe in Donald Trump’s America.
More American’s died from COVID-19 during the four days of the Republican Convention than from the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Trump has failed us. The economy is far worse under Trump than the bright successful days of President Barack Obama, who raised the country out of the Republican “Great Recession.” Trump has failed us.
Trump is delighted to have spent four years encouraging people to grab what they want, whether or not they worked for it or deserved it. So, I am not surprised at the organized looting in some cities, prompted by Trump’s thoughtless diatribes. Questioning our government and protesting to emphasize our beliefs is a patriotic duty.
Law and order has failed under Trump — no immigration policy or action, Mexico will not pay for the unfinished wall. Trump has failed us. Violence has erupted under Trump. Looters and burglary are not protesters. Trump has failed us. More than 6,290,000 American people have contracted COVID-19. More than 189,000 Americans have died. Thousands of those people did not have to die. There is not enough PPE after six months and the economy could have been boasted if it had been manufactured in America.
Where are the test kits for every American? We all need to know if we are positive and without symptoms. You have failed us, Donald Trump. We must join together now. Vote for a better America on Nov. 3 — safe, tolerant and proud. Vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Issues with Trump’s ‘Promises Made’
I take issue with most, if not all, of the “Promises Made, Promises Kept” claimed by President Donald Trump and his enablers.
Economy claim: “Jump-started America’s economy into record growth;” Fact: Received a vibrant economy and oversaw a preventable economic crash related to mishandled COVID.
Immigration claim: “Protected the American Homeland by enforcing immigration laws;” Fact: Attempted to enact unconstitutional Muslim ban, incarcerated and separated children from their parents.
National security and defense claim: “Rebuilt our military, crushed ISIS, confronted rogue nations;” Fact: took credit for battles won by Kurds then abandoned them, calls generals “dopes and babies”, troop approval falls for four years.
Regulation claim: “Removed red tape and ended unnecessary regulations;” Fact: gutted environmental regulations resulting in cleanup cost burden on taxpayers, wiped out consumer protection, fought checks and balances in government.
Law and justice claim: “Partnered with local communities;” Fact: Sent FPS mercenaries to terrorize demonstrators, widely rejected by local government.
Energy and environment claim: “Reversed years of policies;” Fact: Provided windfall access to natural resources to big campaign donors.
Government accountability claim: “Make a government by and for the people;” Fact: widely acknowledged as the least accountable administration in decades.
Health care claim: “Repeal and replace ACA;” Fact: Weakened ACA, did not replace, grossly mishandled the COVID pandemic.
Social programs claim: “Fighting back against ... abortion service providers;” Fact: Beholden to religious special interests.
Education claim: “Supported .... school choice;” Fact: Promotes educational opportunity for the wealthy.
Veterans: “Commitment to our country’s veterans;” Fact: Calls veterans “losers” and “suckers.”
Not wearing a mask is irresponsible
We know the virus is a highly infectious disease, and spread through droplets and particles produced people speak, cough, sneeze, etc., and asymptomatic people spread this disease, and until we get an vaccine, the only tools we have are testing (not widely available in this area), handwashing, distancing and wearing masks.
The State College area has had a spike in cases recently. We have people who work there and commute daily. Bellefonte has been lucking out, we have had few cases so far, but we are naive, the virus isn’t coming. It’s a race between delay vs. vaccine.
Wearing a mask doesn’t protect the wearer, it protect others. A doctor doesn’t wear masks in the operating room to protect them from the patient, it’s other way around. We can slow (not prevent) the spread by wearing a mask. It seems, not only inconsiderate, but irresponsible to refuse to wear one. I’ve heard the comment that “it infringes on my rights.” I am unaware of a “right” to spread disease. Is it in the in the Constitution?
People don’t want to wear a mask because “it’s uncomfortable.” Nobody wants to wear a mask! We wear a mask so we don’t get other people sick! I would hope we aren’t trying to actively spread disease. If everyone would like to get things back “normal,” wear a mask when you can’t be 6 feet apart. If we all wear the stupid mask, we shouldn’t need an ordinance for people to act responsible.
The writer is a Bellefonte councilman