Letters to the Editor – The Virginian-Pilot https://www.pilotonline.com The Virginian-Pilot: Your source for Virginia breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic Thu, 05 Sep 2024 21:37:53 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.pilotonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/POfavicon.png?w=32 Letters to the Editor – The Virginian-Pilot https://www.pilotonline.com 32 32 219665222 Letters for Sept. 10: Why would retired or active duty military vote for Trump? https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/09/letters-for-sept-10-why-would-retired-or-active-duty-military-vote-for-trump/ Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:00:35 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7342876 Nothing sacred?

On Aug. 26, former President Donald Trump appeared at Arlington National Cemetery. Federal law prohibits the taking of videos in Section 60 of the cemetery for political purposes. Nevertheless, this is what Trump did.

Is nothing sacred for Trump? Section 60 is hallowed ground.

We should not be surprised as Trump has a long history of disrespecting our military. Recently, Trump made headlines by stating that a civilian award he gave to one of his campaign donors was “much better” than the Medal of Honor. The head of Veterans of Foreign Wars called Trump’s comments “asinine.”

Retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly quoted Trump calling our fallen soldiers “suckers” and “losers.” Trump mocked Sen. John McCain who was tortured for years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.

Clearly, Trump has no appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of our military. Why would any retired or active duty member of our military vote for Trump to be our commander in chief?

James Lonergan, Virginia Beach

2024 election

Here’s what I will consider before I vote for the next president of the United States.

Precursor: Early 2024 in-person voting begins as early as 45 days prior to Nov. 5, Election Day. That’s Sept. 20 here in Virginia. Internal state voter-roll management and cleanup is difficult but a must-do for voting results validity.

Would you buy a house sight unseen and without an inspection? Absolutely not. Then why would you vote for a presidential candidate without knowing what his or her current policy positions and implementation plans are on the many significant issues that impact your life and livelihood? Simply stated, I want to see all the candidates’ cards “face up” on the table before I vote.

In a previous letter I strongly advocated for at least three presidential debates. I want to hear and see the candidates, not their surrogates, nor position statements from their staffs. This is what American voters deserve to best decide who has the intellect, confidence, grasp of the issues and best solution set, and the verbal and unscripted thinking-skills necessary to succeed domestically and internationally to govern and lead our great nation as president.

I want to vote given knowns vice unknowns. Votes should be earned and not automatic.

John R. Baer, Yorktown

Afghanistan

All the attention that has been drawn to this calamity hasn’t taken into account a few facts leading up to it. All the blame is directed toward President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with no mention of the former administration not allowing a transition team into the different agencies to get a firm grasp of what the current situation was that they would be facing.

There were numerous military and nongovernmental organization officials who had been dealing with the Taliban for months or years who had a good idea what Biden was facing, and I would hope were giving him the best information possible. If they didn’t have the best knowledge of current conditions, how do you expect Biden to know any differently?

Trump signed the withdrawal agreement with a specified date, which really meant nothing because the Taliban were in charge of much of the conditions and could alter the agreement any time they wanted to. It’s also been reported that an ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked Hamid Karzai International Airport’s Abbey Gate. ISIS–K has been at war with the Taliban.

Now we have Trump at Arlington National Cemetery, with some of the families of the 13 service members, his “suckers” and “losers,” using the place for a campaign prop in violation of federal law that prohibits such activity. Despicable doesn’t begin to describe him and his entire campaign.

Jeff Allen, Hampton

Joke to queen

What we have seen play out on the Democratic side in the past weeks and the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris to the Democratic candidate for president can only be described as from a joke to a queen.

Harris dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary in 2019. Her far-left policies forced her out even before the Iowa caucuses. One can only guess what qualities enticed President Joe Biden to select her for vice president. Diversity, equity and inclusion comes to mind. Prominent Democratic voices even suggested she be taken off the Biden-Harris ticket before the Biden withdrawal.

As vice president she has become famous for her “word salad” comments, her cackle and running off her staff, but she will save the world with her “reproductive rights” platform. Her pro-Palestine stance encourages Hamas to battle on. Her big government or socialist government and open border policies will continue to undermine the average citizen’s life and overburden local governments with migrant issues. While continually fanning the hate Trump flames, she is flip-flopping on her earlier positions fast.

The queen may well ascend to the throne because of the liberal media, but when a prominent Kennedy endorses her opponent and even Mark Zuckerberg seems to be having second thoughts about the Democratic machine, it should give everyone second thoughts about supporting Harris.

Helmut Walter, Yorktown

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Letters for Sept. 9: Study America’s resources and potential distribution of them before you vote https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/08/letters-for-sept-9-study-americas-resources-and-potential-distribution-of-them-before-you-vote/ Sun, 08 Sep 2024 22:00:54 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7342873 Resources

As the election season arrives, it is instructive to take a look at the map of our country. Change from the default view to the terrain view. Think about where the rivers, water, flatlands and cities are located. Next, look at the population centers. All of a sudden, you can see how complicated the allocation of resources is and the different kinds and levels of resources that are needed for each area.

This is outside of politics. This is inside of reality, and so, when you make your decisions upon what platform you might vote for and which representatives support what you believe in, take the time to examine everything in front of you, the information is there in front of all of us. Let your kids into your thinking process. It will make them better Americans and stewards of the future of this magnificent land that we all inhabit.

Curtis Bailey, Virginia Beach

Taxes

I am mystified by the lack of foresight exhibited by the “tax-the-rich” crowd. They quote percentages of income paid (not dollars) to justify their position.

Fact: The 1-percenters (we’ll call them the “super wealthy”) pay roughly 40% of the federal income tax dollars collected. Fact: Close to 50% of income earners pay no federal income tax dollars. One could pose the question as to what is their fair share? After all, they enjoy the same federal benefits such as military protection, border security, etc., that the super wealthy receive. It’s not rocket science to understand that all of us benefit from the tax dollars paid by the super wealthy. It’s almost criminal to expect them to pay more.

In addition, the 1-percenters have a hand in or are directly responsible for creating many good paying jobs for the rest of us, also, let’s not forget the large charitable contributions many of them make. Just imagine the USA without the super wealthy’s tax contributions. The rest of us would see our tax liability increase twofold or more. A final observation: If “ignorance is bliss,” the tax-the-rich crowd must be ecstatic.

Tom Dingle, Suffolk

Pay attention

Re “Where’s Harris” (Your Views, Sept. 24): The writer describes Vice President Kamala Harris as leftist-Marxist leaning. Karl Marx was not a fan of democracy. Harris supports our Constitution, and democracy and freedom regarding citizens’ health care, voting, consumer and job rights, clean water and air, teaching in safe schools and immigration reform. As vice president, she helped grow the strongest world economy with job creation, inflation reduction, the greatest infrastructure bill working across this country and the successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic. For about 20 years, her public service reflects support of democratic values and the rule of law — not Marx.

Former President Donald Trump said he wants to be dictator for his first day. Regarding Project 2025, GOP vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance “has written the forward for a new book by the leader of the far-right governing plan,” according to The Hill. With the blueprint of Project 2025, Trump will have sweeping powers.

If we review Trump’s years in office, we can say he gave a tax cut to the richest and left us with a damaging national debt, which will wreak havoc to our country for decades. In addition, more than 400,000 Americans died under his management of the COVID-19 crisis. As a candidate, Trump is self-absorbed, irrational, a 78-year-old man, twice-impeached, a convicted felon and has been found liable for sexual abuse and business fraud.

He is unfit to hold office as dog catcher let alone president of the United States.

Patty Bates, Virginia Beach

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Letters for Sept. 8: Let us remember the late Jim Resolute who quietly dedicated himself to helping others https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/07/letters-for-sept-8-let-us-remember-the-late-jim-resolute-who-quietly-dedicated-himself-to-helping-others/ Sat, 07 Sep 2024 22:00:40 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7342868 Well lived

I am writing to pay tribute to the late Jim Resolute, who played an instrumental role in establishing the Ronald McDonald House in Norfolk in 1981. His vision, dedication and compassion laid the foundation for this incredible facility that has provided a “home away from home” for thousands of families with seriously ill children undergoing treatment at our local hospital.

Resolute’s selfless work in our community had a profound and lasting impact. His efforts helped create a sanctuary where families could find comfort and support during some of the most challenging times of their lives. The Ronald McDonald House continues to stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and his deep care for those in need.

It is essential that we remember and honor individuals such as Resolute, who quietly and tirelessly dedicated themselves to the betterment of others. His legacy is one of kindness, community spirit and compassion, and it deserves recognition.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on through the Ronald McDonald House and the countless lives it has touched. We are forever grateful for his contributions, and I hope his memory continues to inspire us all to support causes that bring comfort and hope to those facing adversity.

Elyse Brown, executive director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, Norfolk

Cameras

Re “Latest lawsuit challenges constitutionality of Chesapeake’s speed cameras” (June 12): It was interesting reading this article. It seems attorney and former state Del. Tim Anderson is trying to get the fine his client, who was caught on a speed camera, paid refunded because of a technicality. Anderson, in previously filed state court complaints against Suffolk and Chesapeake regarding speed cameras, alleges “the cities are improperly allowing vendors to impersonate local government when collecting fees.”

The simple answer is to let some police officers work to help the vendors process the tickets or else work with the vendors to somehow eliminate this problem. We are living in a modern world. Traffic police are a relic of the past. The cameras take the dangerous situation of stopping a vehicle speeding on a busy road and causing a backup (gawking motorists) and the risk of confrontation with a belligerent driver out of the equation.

Chesapeake police have issued more than 150,000 citations and collected more than $9 million in fines. Suffolk has issued more than 167,000 citations and collected more than $11 million. If these cities are flooded with cameras, the cities could make a ton of money, and help save some of the lives lost each year by speeding. I’d start out with the cameras ticketing at 20 mph over the limit, and then go to 15 mph over the limit in a few years. See how easy it is to save lives?

John J. Martin, Norfolk

Cold case

Re “Newport News police form new ‘Cold Case Team’ to solve older cases” (Aug. 31): The article informed it’s readers that Newport News has added a new police unit concentrated on solving many of the cold cases still on the books, with two detectives working full time and a part-time retired detective.

While many cities over the years have had such units, what I find interesting is that I recently read a book by Michael Connelly whose favorite detective is now part timer, Harry Bosch. The book, “Desert Star,” has the Los Angeles police creating a cold case unit with two full-time officers and a part-time detective. Coincidence?

David Levy, Williamsburg

Congressional staffers

Re “Congress must boost its staffing or cede power to courts” (Aug. 28): Taylor J. Swift’s excellent analysis of the underinvestment in congressional staff exposes a poorly understood component of American democracy. Nevertheless, he omits perhaps the most important point of all: The Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down the Chevron decision doesn’t merely cede more power to the courts; it cedes evermore influence to a multibillion dollar lobbying industry.

Congress is solely responsible for writing the laws that govern many fundamental aspects of American life. Some pieces of legislation run to thousands of pages. In the system envisioned by our founders, Congress and its staff — with input from citizens and experts — would write those pages. Today, however, that task is largely outsourced to industry lobbyists, many of whom work directly for the industries that those laws are intended to regulate. The amount of work it takes to craft modern legislation greatly exceeds the capabilities of our under-resourced congressional staffs and departments.

Salaries for congressional staffers are fractions of the compensation provided by the lobbying firms. Bright and ambitious professionals who want to actually influence legislation can be forgiven for shunning the inadequate pay, aging office space and outdated technology provided by Congress itself. The further transfer of congressional power to the lobbying industry implicit in the Supreme Court’s decision may well be a feature and not a bug. If we the people want Congress to be able to step up and properly do its job, however, expanding the scope of its staff is an essential step.

Michael Harvey, Norfolk

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Letters for Sept. 7: Vote for candidates who believe in hard work, treating others with kindness https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/06/letters-for-sept-7-vote-for-candidates-who-believe-in-hard-work-treating-others-with-kindness/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 22:00:34 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7342867 Vote values

I live on the Eastern Shore, a part of Virginia where we look out for our neighbors. We check on the older adults and the sick; we share when we are able; and when someone needs assistance, we help out. It’s who we are.

Last year, while driving on one of the deserted back roads, I stopped to take a photograph. Out of nowhere, a car pulled up, the driver lowered the window and asked: “Is everything alright?” A stranger — just checking in. In another case, my husband’s old truck decided to conk out and almost before he could lift the hood, a stranger stopped, hooked up the two trucks and gave my husband a tow home.

They were neighbors, not strangers. On the Eastern Shore, that’s what we do.

Neighbors who fish or garden will often call and offer some of their catch or produce. When my blackberries are ripening in abundance, I put out the call to my neighbors. It’s what we do.

That is true in neighborhoods across America. Although we have different opinions, our values are the same. We were taught the value of hard work and the importance of treating others with kindness, respecting personal freedoms and helping out where we can.

In this election, vote for your values; vote country over party; vote for democracy. Vote for candidates who believe in helping others, doing what’s right for others and lifting people up. It’s who we should be in America. It’s who we must be. I will be voting for my values.

Melody Copper, Machipongo

Vote Republican

A couple of weeks after President Joe Biden was forced to withdraw his quest for a second term after the disastrous debate, I wrote a letter wondering why cognitively declining Biden was still president if he isn’t qualified to be the candidate. Now more than a month later, he’s still the commander in chief but apparently in name only. I have a few questions.

First, the 25th Amendment was enacted to cover this situation but remains unemployed. Why? Second, in these globally turbulent times, why is he still in control? Third, why aren’t the individuals in power that were/are aware of his cognitive decline (Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Nancy Pelosi) not being impeached for willfully deceiving the American people and placing our country in peril?

Last, I wonder who’s pulling the strings now but have a pretty good guess and think the last name starts with O. Please consider voting for our country in November and pick Republicans to change this course of deceitful conduct.

Stan Mason, Virginia Beach

Vice president

This year’s election has revealed an unpleasant truth to me about the way someone is chosen to be our vice president. The vice president for either party is picked by one person and not by the citizens. That person is a heartbeat away from becoming president without getting any vote by the citizens. How can we claim we are a democracy?

Until a constitutional amendment in 1804, the person who came in second in voting became the vice president regardless of party affiliation, which created a number of problems. I think the law should be changed so that the person receiving the party’s second most votes in the primaries becomes the vice president. This will give the American people a say in who might become our president rather than saddle us with unpopular candidates as we are now.

Hal Davis, Virginia Beach

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Letters for Sept. 6: Rep. Jen Kiggans is right to support Israel in its fight against Hamas https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/05/letters-for-sept-6-rep-jen-kiggans-is-right-to-support-israel-in-its-fight-against-hamas/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 22:00:50 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7337832 Israel

Re “Kiggans” (Your Views, Aug. 27): I am responding to the criticism of Rep. Jen Kiggans for her stance in supporting the state of Israel. The letter writer said, “Rep. Jen Kiggans should speak up for the children of Gaza.”

Kiggans has traveled to Israel at least once since the Oct. 7 killing of innocents by Hamas. Her decision to support Israel was not derived from what she saw in the media or propaganda from the Gaza Health Ministry, under Hamas; her decision appears to have been made after she personally investigated the situation.

As having recently served with the Israel Defense Force civilian overseas volunteer organization SAR-EL, I can say without hesitation there is only one way to understand the situation in that country. That is to go and see for yourself. Kiggans and I have been to the place where hundreds of civilians were killed with signs of their death still present.

After Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. invaded two countries and tens of thousands were killed to preserve the safety of citizens here. When I hear criticism of Israel and its supporters, I can’t help but wonder what the reaction would have been if the Oct. 7 massacre had happened here to American citizens. I wonder if some have a double standard because Israel is populated by Jews.

Israel is the front line in the fight against radical Islam. If it falls, guess where the terrorists go next: here. I’m not Jewish but will do everything I can to preserve Israel and its people, as I believe Kiggans will.

Volpe Boykin, Carrsville

Vote Kiggans

I believe the citizens of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District should reelect Rep. Jen Kiggans. She was a Navy helicopter pilot before becoming a geriatric nurse practitioner. She chose to help older adults instead of starting a lucrative business. She is a strong supporter of our police. She supports parents having a strong voice in their children’s education. She is for a secure border and against millions of unvetted people coming into our country illegally. She helps our veterans receive all the benefits they deserve.

Joyce Campbell, Virginia Beach

Emissions

The 2024 U.S. Energy & Employment Job Report was just released highlighting the energy sector’s impact on the U.S. economy and employment. See energy.gov to read or download the report.

Among the statistics reported, I found these to be the most compelling to understand how our country is in a massive transition from carbon fuels to clean energy:

  • “Clean energy employment increased by 142,000 jobs, accounting for more than half (56%) of new energy sector jobs and growing at a rate (4.2%) twice as large as that for the rest of the energy sector and the U.S. economy overall (2.0%),” according to the report.
  • An unreported additional 28,000 jobs in construction-supported infrastructure were created at clean energy facilities
  • Federal investments have propelled impressive private sector investment. Businesses are seeing the economic benefit of going to clean energy. Many young people are finding excellent paying jobs in battery storage or energy generation businesses.

I encourage each reader to think about this election. Which party is on a course to curb climate change impacts that are damaging our homes and neighborhoods, and businesses and farms? Which party has voiced a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050?

It can no longer be claimed that a safe climate is harmful to our economy. In fact it’s a great business driver for the U.S. economy.

Susan Feathers, Virginia Beach

National debt

In the heat of a presidential campaign, we might be distracted from how deep in debt the nation has become. We are $35 trillion in debt.

To combat the threat of bank failures during the housing bubble collapse, we pumped billions into the economy, but when the “emergency” had passed, we continued to grow the debt. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the government provided funds to keep businesses going until the lockdowns ended, a reasonable response to the emergency. But with that “emergency” behind us, the Biden administration continued growing the debt.

Emergencies come and go, but government programs are eternal. Or maybe not.

In the coming years, trillions in government bonds financed at near-zero interest rates will have to be rolled over at current rates. The interest payments on the debt, for which we get nothing, already exceed defense spending. I believe we cannot raise income taxes more than $2 trillion a year without crashing the economy. This is unsustainable.

No matter who is elected in 2024, our next president should oversee a massive reduction in government spending and employment. We have run out of other people’s money.

William Tabor, Chesapeake

‘Unworthy’

Former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery for a photo op after his comments about the Presidential Medal of Freedom versus the Medal of Honor was in poor taste. I have been voting for many years and have never seen such an unworthy candidate nor former president such as Trump. Like COVID-19, he will just not go away. I am dreading the results in November.

Gloria L. Ross, Virginia Beach

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Letters for Sept. 5: Vote for candidates who support conservation of the Chesapeake Bay https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/04/letters-for-sept-5-vote-for-candidates-who-support-conservation-of-the-chesapeake-bay/ Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:00:46 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7337830 Chesapeake Bay

Re “Scientists keep eye on ‘mermaid’s hair'” (Sept. 2): I was disturbed to read about the new invasive species of algae-like microseira appearing in the Chesapeake Bay’s grasses due to nutrient runoff and rising temperatures. However, I was even more upset to read that some of the states surrounding the Chesapeake Bay are not on track to make the 2025 Chesapeake Bay Program’s deadline for reducing nutrient runoff, phosphorus and sediment. According to the Chesapeake Bay Journal, this runoff is also contributing to ocean acidification, threatening our roughly $50 million oyster industry.

The article made me curious to know which states were failing to meet their commitments, so I checked the data on the Chesapeake Bay Program website, chesapeakebay.net. I was shocked. New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware clearly haven’t gotten the message. Pennsylvania met only 29% of its 2009-2025 reduction goal for nitrogen. New York made only 26% of its 2009-2025 reduction goal for sediment, and Delaware achieved a horrifying 9% of its 2009-2025 goal for nitrogen.

Why isn’t the EPA holding these states accountable for using the bay as their personal dumping ground? Heavy fines, withholding of federal funds or legal action should be taken against the polluters. Are there no consequences for neglecting to protect our environment and poisoning our food and water supply?

My hope is by the next deadline the governors of these states will be held more accountable and that voters realize the need to support candidates who back conservation efforts. Our economy, food supply and beautiful planet depend on it.

Eva DeVirgilis, Norfolk

Inflation

Re “Workers are struggling thanks to inflation” (Other Views, Sept. 1): Columnist Sean Higgins concedes, “Four years ago, the nation was still in the throes of the COVID pandemic, so direct comparisons aren’t easy.” He then proceeds to do just that. He continues, “Before the pandemic, inflation was practically nonexistent, having fallen to 0.1% in May 2020.” Notice something? May 2020 was not “before” the pandemic, which began in the U.S. in January 2020, months before.

May was well into the beginning of the pandemic. Lockdowns started in March 2020. People weren’t going anywhere. Gas prices on March 2, 2020, were $2.42. By May 4, 2020, they had dropped to $1.79. In late April 2020, 27 oil tankers were parked offshore, unable to unload because no one was buying the gas at the pumps, causing a backup in the refineries and storage fields. “Supply and demand” was on full display. With a glut of supply and nowhere to put it, and a bottoming-out of demand, gas prices fell, contributing to the fall of inflation.

If Higgins was objective, he would have used pre-lockdown inflation of February 2020, 2.3%, or January 2020, 2.5%. But those numbers don’t support his anti-President Joe Biden bias. Why? Because as of July 2024, inflation is just 2.9% (latest figures available). Inflation peaked in June 2022 at 9.1% and has steadily fallen to now, when it’s just 0.4% above where it was in January 2020 (under former President Donald Trump). By the way, the target inflation rate is 2%.

Dave Brechtel, Virginia Beach

Service

Much has been said about Gov. Tim Walz’s military career. It should be noted that in order to become an Army command sergeant major or sergeant major, both E-9, there is an extensive selection process that includes a senior level board reviewing the records of eligible soldiers for promotion to E-9. Walz was selected, promoted and served honorably as a command sergeant major in the Army National Guard based on this process.

However, there are requirements for select promotions within the various components of the U.S. Army that you need to meet in order to retire at your serving grade. Walz made the decision to retire as a serving command sergeant major after 24 years of service to continue serving our country in Congress. However, for benefit purposes, he was downgraded to a master sergeant when he left the National Guard because he did not complete the additional coursework required for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy prior to his retirement.

We all should honor his service, along with anyone else who served honorably in any branch of the military — in any capacity — at any time.

P.J. Tighe, retired Army command sergeant major, Newport News

Not Harris

As election time approaches, I would remind everyone to avoid the temptation to vote based upon your perceived natures and personalities of the candidates. Qualifications, experience and past performance should be of paramount concern. Therefore, following careful consideration I believe thoughtful, informed and responsible voters will vote for former President Donald Trump, who left our nation in good condition and had the respect of other world leaders.

Politically charged and motivated attempts to falsely accuse, discredit, defame and disqualify him have been ugly and baseless. This election will determine the very survival of our nation as we have known it and what our Founding Fathers envisioned.

Vice President Kamala Harris is unsuitable and unqualified to assume the highest office in our land. I believe she knows this and is actually afraid of the responsibilities. She is a mere puppet of the woke, radical puppeteers who now pull the strings and run the show. Do not be deceived. Vote wisely. Our future depends on it.

Robert Morrison, Virginia Beach

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Letters for Sept. 4: Vote for Hampton City Council members Billy Hobbs, Jimmy Gray and Hope Harper https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/03/letters-for-sept-4-vote-for-hampton-city-council-members-billy-hobbs-jimmy-gray-and-hope-harper/ Tue, 03 Sep 2024 22:00:07 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7337825 City Council

Hampton citizens expect their City Council members to be hardworking, ethical, willing to listen to concerns and able to develop effective resolutions. Three current members on Hampton council, Billy Hobbs, Jimmy Gray and Hope Harper, epitomize these characteristics. Whether addressing future economic development initiatives, youth programs or companion animal concerns, citizens can be assured these council members are dedicated to delivering responsive customer service. They genuinely care about Hampton and its citizens.

Citizens recognize that an effective council, able to outline strategies for success, is instrumental in ensuring Hampton’s bright future. Hobbs, Gray and Harper are aptly capable to be effective members of Hampton’s council, and their record of public service proves this.

So please vote Nov. 5 for Hobbs, Gray and Harper; your vote will ensure three council members who willingly accept and appreciate their role in serving Hampton and its citizens.

Linda and David Seely, Hampton

Influence

Re “Collective bargaining” (Your Views, Sept. 1): The letter writer made cogent points in favor of unions, one being, “When you become a school employee or any such public employee, you do not forfeit your constitutional protections and rights … .” That being said, I hope he sees the other side of the argument.

Many large cities have collective bargaining agreements that cover thousands of union personnel, and they are tied indirectly to city government. The unions give money to the election campaigns of supportive City Council members, and those same council members in turn increase the wages and benefits of the union members. It is a never-ending cycle, and in those cities, it has gotten out of hand and totally unaffordable. My guess is Williamsburg is afraid of it happening there. If an agreement can be reached that states city unions cannot contribute to election campaigns, I’m sure it would be a much easier sell.

To be up front, at age 74 I am still a full-time contract employee and though we are not in a union, we do have an active collective bargaining agreement. The difference between ours and those the letter writer supports is, first, we don’t work directly for the government, second, my fellow workers and I do not have a pension plan that will burden the taxpayers over a lifetime and, third, we don’t pay dues.

J.C. Snead, Virginia Beach

Education

As voters prepare to cast their preference in the upcoming presidential election and evaluate the policy positions of the down-ballot candidates, I encourage everyone to consider some of the proposed changes.

The legislative initiatives circulated by the former president and his surrogates will have, in my opinion, a chilling impact. It appears those candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump affirm his position.

Project 2025, drafted by former subordinates of Trump, outlines even more draconian measures impacting the middle class. For example, it would eliminate civil service positions that will be replaced by at-will employees; privatize the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which could result in higher flood insurance premiums and reduced financial assistance during emergencies; eliminate funding to Title I schools and modify provisions for special education services; reduce funding for the National School Lunch Program; and eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. It appears this is just the beginning of the changes he plans to implement.

In light of this legislative platform, it is critically important to consider your choices when you vote in the upcoming election.

Stephen C. Jones, retired superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools, Norfolk

Five stars

Given the complex state of the U.S. and local health care systems, including challenges and triumphs reported in The Virginian-Pilot and other news outlets, I wanted to provide my perspective from my recent overnight stay at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. The care, attention and treatment that I received was worthy of five stars.

The intake associates put me at ease. The preoperative registered nurses were so professional and kind that the IVs and shots given were almost pleasant to receive. The anesthesiologist and surgeons provided me with a wealth of information and performed an excellent and successful surgery. The post-anesthesia care unit nurses provided a concierge service, attending to my recovery needs. I was treated royally there, as I stayed overnight when no beds were available elsewhere. It was a blessing to receive this professional, caring attention delivered in a joyful manner and provided by a great team. Thank you Sentara for a job well done.

Jim Grady, Norfolk

Not so

Re “Crashes” (Your Views, Aug. 29): I disagree with the letter writer who wrote, any blame for police manpower shortages “belongs with the killing of (George) Floyd itself, not with the protests that followed it.”

Everyone knows that the police manpower shortages began across the country, with officer retention and recruitment challenges, following the George Floyd protests in 2020. Those protests and the “stand back and watch” actions of the people in power are exactly what began the police manpower shortages.

Jim Crutchfield, Virginia Beach

Over it

Re “Trouble” (Your Views, Aug. 31): The letter writer lost all credibility when he referred to the vice president’s “silly laugh.”

Bonnie Kashouty Nealon, Toano

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Letters for Sept. 3: We must get classified materials under control https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/02/letters-for-sept-3-we-must-get-classified-materials-under-control/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 22:00:24 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7337820 Classified material

Executive Order 13526 and Department of Defense Manual No. 5200.01, Volume 3, and their referenced documents define the process for controlling classified material and the administrative or criminal penalties associated with not following the instructions.

Former President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13526 establishes a uniform system within government agencies, including the executive branch, for classifying, marking, safeguarding and declassifying national security information. The referenced defense manual applies to the armed forces.

The executive branch, government agencies and defense contractors shall assign a staff classified material custodian to perform the duties outlined in the referenced documents. They will maintain positive control 24/7 over the movement of classified material under their jurisdiction.

The authority to classify and declassify material is granted to the president and vice president only while they are in office, and the materials’ classification shall be reviewed and approved as required by executive order 13526. “An official or employee leaving agency service may not remove classified information from the agency’s control or direct that information be declassified in order to remove it from agency control,” according to federalregister.gov.

The news media has previously reported that, among others, former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence had stored classified material at their residence.

The latest reported case is that of defense contractor Gokhan Gun, born in Turkey. This is an extremely serious national security issue. The Department of Justice and FBI should conduct an extensive investigation into why classified material is not controlled as required by the referenced documents.

Gary L. Siegle, Chesapeake

Taxes

Re “Harris” (Your Views, Aug. 28): In response to the letter writer, I did look up Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance on unrealized gains. The letter writer should have done a little more research so that he could put his concern in the appropriate context.

Unrealized capital gains, a new tax proposal, is actually part of President Joe Biden’s past budget proposal and is supported, currently, by Harris. The context that the letter writer did not include in his letter was the following:

This new tax “applies only to individuals with at least $100 million in wealth who do not pay at least a 25% tax rate on their income,” according to Axios. These individuals would have to have at least 80% of their wealth in tradable assets.

This new tax would not apply to most startup founders or investors.

With that context, the majority of Americans would not be subject to this capital gain tax prior to selling (the unrealized gain) their home, stocks or other assets because they would not meet the $100 million in wealth.

So let’s stop scare-mongering and repeating misinformation, but continue sharing factual information to promote our civil discussions.

David B. Sadler, Norfolk

Super wealthy

Re “Harris” (Your Views, Aug. 28): I read with modest alarm this letter that warned of Vice President Kamala Harris’ plans regarding unrealized gains. He suggested readers “look it up.” So I did. And I’m glad I did because I am relieved by what I learned.

Turns out she’s fully behind a Biden administration initiative to make the wealthy pay a fairer share of taxes. And the proposed rule changes regarding “unrealized capital gains” would affect only those with a net worth of at least $100 million, around 10,000 U.S. citizens. I am definitely not included in that number. I’m guessing the letter writer isn’t either. Maybe he should’ve taken his own advice before he wrote in.

Paul Richardson, Virginia Beach

No way

Letter writers need to stop telling people who to vote for. Everyone should vote his or her conscience. If you like a certain candidate, then fine — vote for him or her. However, I may have a differing opinion. It’s obvious that the letter writers endorsing candidates are merely trying to inflict their opinions onto other people.

Folks tend to vote for candidates based on their own personal preferences, and not for the overall good of the country, or according to our Constitution.

I don’t think that any politician in history has ever kept all of his or her campaign promises. Politicians will say what the folks want to hear and whatever will get them elected. Therefore, I do not believe one word of the campaign promises that I have read in the letters in this section of the paper.

I’m not going to vote for anyone who wants infringe upon my Second Amendment rights, and I’m not going to vote for anyone with evangelical leanings.

I’m certainly not going to vote for someone simply because a letter writer tells me to. In fact, when I see a letter from a reader endorsing a candidate, I am immediately skeptical, and I will make sure that I don’t vote for that candidate.

Lee Matthews, Hampton

Abortion

After hearing former President Donald Trump’s 30,000-plus lies, we’d have to be stupid to believe him saying that he would veto a national abortion ban bill. Fool me once, shame on me; fool me 30,000 times, shame on you.

Robert H. Schaefer, Virginia Beach

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Letters for Sept. 2: Listen to the people who used to work for former President Donald Trump https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/09/01/letters-for-sept-2-listen-to-the-people-who-used-to-work-for-former-president-donald-trump/ Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:00:36 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7337815 Trump

Before voters consider rehiring 78-year-old former President and convicted felon Donald Trump, check his references:

A dozen of his former employees called him an idiot. Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon said he was, “Like an 11-year-old child,” according to Quartz, a news website. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, said he had the understanding of “a fifth- or sixth-grader,” according to accounts of journalist Bob Woodward’s book, which The Washington Post reported.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr said he “is a consummate narcissist” and should not be near the Oval Office, according to The Times of Israel. Former FBI Director James Comey said Trump was “‘morally unfit’ to be president,” and “unethical, and untethered to truth,” according to CBS News. Former White House Lawyer Ty Cobb said, “Trump relentlessly puts forth claims that are not true,” according to CNN. Former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster said, “We saw the absence of leadership, really anti-leadership, and what that can do to our country,” CNN reported. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton said, Trump was “unfit” to be president.

Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said Trump has, “nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law,” according to CNN. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump is “unfit for office” and “a threat to democracy,” according to MSNBC.

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci was paraphrased as saying, “Trump is the domestic terrorist of the 21st century,” according to CNN.

These were the “very best people” selected by Trump for his administration. Believe them.

David L. Campbell, Virginia Beach

Start now

Vice President Kamala Harris, now a presidential candidate, says she will undertake efforts to solve inflation on her first day in office. She is in the unique position of being both vice president and a presidential candidate, and President Joe Biden is still president. Why doesn’t she just tell Biden how she is going to do it, so Biden can start now? He has more than four months to get started.

Jim King, Chesapeake

Football

I thought I’d talk football in this post and give politics a break. The NFL began its preseason in August with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Lately, I have been following the Canadian Football League, mainly because the NFL, in my opinion, has lost some of its luster over the years when it comes to the winners of the AFC and NFC championship games, and many of the past Super Bowl games have been rather boring because of the quality of some of the teams playing.

Last season, we saw the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers for the second time since they played in a Super Bowl a few years before and beat the 49ers in a previous game. I also read in an NFL magazine for this season, writers’ prediction for Super Bowl LIX (59) in February in New Orleans is the Baltimore Ravens versus the Detroit Lions with the Ravens winning it. Are you serious?

This would probably work if it were the Baltimore Orioles playing the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series or American League Championship Series, but not in a Super Bowl. It seems like the NFL has a crazy obsession with the Baltimore Ravens that I cannot figure out. I think the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts have a better chance of winning the Canadian Football League Grey Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this season than the Ravens do at winning the Super Bowl in February in New Orleans. Go Argos.

Mike Niehaus, Portsmouth

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Letters for Sept. 1: Beware of people opposing collective bargaining for Williamsburg-James City County teachers https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/08/31/letters-for-sept-1-beware-of-people-opposing-collective-bargaining-for-williamsburg-james-city-county-teachers/ Sat, 31 Aug 2024 22:00:46 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7337807 Collective bargaining

Re “Williamsburg-area school board approaching deadline on collective bargaining vote” (Aug. 8): Unions and associations speak on behalf of their members. This is also true of other political organizations — whether they are supported by the financial donations of Republicans or Democrats — that wish to influence our electorate, our elected officials, our public institutions and especially our public schools.

According to our local news sources, a majority of about 1,000 teachers in Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools are seeking collective bargaining rights before the WJCC School Board.

Be careful when you see members of lobbying groups or specific individuals in our community attempting to deny others the right to have representation and a recognized voice. Unions and associations brought us workplace and safety protections, the 40-hour work week, the end of child labor and paid leave from work when needed for health and for family.

When you become a school employee or any such public employee, you do not forfeit your constitutional protections and rights to others who seek to have control over you for their own favor at your own expense. Be wary and be informed when individuals or lobbying groups intend to deny you those protections and rights in support of their own political, religious or financial agendas.

Robert Oliver, Williamsburg

Protections

Re “Reducing regulations assists American families and the economy” (Other Views, Aug. 14): The authors of this piece railing against the sheer numbers of government regulations disguise their real agenda, which, among other things, denies climate change and opposes environmental regulations.

To be clear, regulations inhibit the behavior of large corporations in order to protect individual citizens like you and me. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 killed 146 workers because the company had exit doors locked to prevent theft. Should we now cancel regulations that prohibit locking exit doors in any business? Should we cancel Food and Drug Administration regulations that prevent companies from selling unapproved medicines or making false claims on product labels? Should we allow 14-year-olds to buy cigarettes?

The list of regulations that protect citizens against corporate misbehavior is very long and certainly contains many that are out-of-date. But I suspect that businesses and regulators ignore meaningless rules and enforce necessary ones. Taking unenforced rules off the registers takes time and money that’s perhaps better used for other priorities.

Don’t be fooled. The authors and their Competitive Enterprise Institute don’t care about the useless rules. They care about the important ones that protect us but cost corporations big money. CEI opposes climate change science and regulation of the internet, and has challenged the Affordable Care Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Financial Stability Oversight Council, all of which benefit citizens at the expense of corporations.

CEI joined the advisory board of The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 in 2022. Now do you get it?

Joseph H. Discenza, Poquoson

Game change?

We exert considerable effort at home, at school, in our religious communities, in Scouts and in sports to teach our children to:

  1. Tell the truth.
  2. Play by the rules.
  3. Not resort to name-calling.
  4. Respect women.
  5. Keep vows and promises.
  6. Pay our debts.
  7. Respect military and public service.
  8. Not make fun of people with disabilities.
  9. Read critically and challenge hypocrisy.
  10. Be thankful for our many unique opportunities.
  11. Treat others as we would like to be treated.

But now there is broad support for a man for president who breaks many, if not all, of these rules of common decency. What is our message to our children today?

Kyle Davila, Virginia Beach

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