Letters: Donate to help emergency blood shortage; What’s a coffee aficionado to do?
Donate to help emergency blood shortage
The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage and urges people to make an appointment to give now to help patients across the country receive lifesaving medical treatments. Heat impacted more than 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other traditional seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities.
Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July at a time when distributions to hospitals have remained strong and the blood supply still has not recovered from significant donation shortfalls earlier this summer. Right now, the supply of type O blood products is so low that hospital distributions of this vital blood type have been reduced below what hospitals need in recent weeks.
More individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer. All blood types − especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets − are needed to meet the needs of patients. On behalf of the Red Cross, I encourage you to roll up a sleeve and answer the call. Please make your appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
What’s a coffee aficionado to do?
You know what I hate? Coffee shops that close at 2 or 3 p.m.! Coffee aficionados, myself included, in Washington, DC where I used to live and work, cherished a late afternoon, before dinner cup of Joe. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone to a local coffee house only to find it closed! I’d like to give my business to locally owned specialty coffee house, but instead I’ll keep going to Starbucks, Dunkin’ and McDonalds. Good coffee there BTW.
Why does Trump have supporters?
Why do people support Donald Trump? Consider:
1. Undermining democratic institutions: Trump has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of elections and other democratic processes, contributing to widespread mistrust in the electoral system. He does not support the U.S. Constitution.
2. Mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic: His administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely criticized, with many arguing it led to unnecessary deaths.
3. Divisive leadership: Trump’s rhetoric often exacerbates divisions along racial, political or social lines, leading to increased polarization and risking political violence.
4. Legal and ethical violations: Beyond the January 6 insurrection, Trump has faced numerous legal challenges, including ongoing investigations into his business practices and alleged obstruction of justice during his presidency. He has been convicted of felonies in court and lost a defamation lawsuit.
5. International relations: His approach to foreign policy often alienated allies and emboldened adversaries, undermining the United States’ position on the global stage.
6. Environmental policies: His administration rolled back environmental protections, contributing to climate change.
7. Corruption allegations: Trump and members of his administration have been accused of using their positions for personal gain.
8. Inconsistent policies: His frequent policy reversals created instability both domestically and internationally.
9. Attacks on the free press: Trump has repeatedly attacked the media, labeling critical coverage as “fake news,” which many argue undermines the free press.
10. Impeachments: Trump is the only U.S. President to be impeached twice, indicating serious concerns about his conduct while in office.
Given these reasons, why do people support Trump?