Sounding off: Trump is easy to dislike - TribLIVE

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“I never met a man I didn’t like.” — Will Rogers

Born in Indian Territory (now part of Oklahoma), part Cherokee, the former cowpoke and humorist died in a plane crash in 1935; thus he never met Donald Trump.

Trump is easy to dislike, and had the two met, I’m certain that the plain-talking, truth-telling Rogers would have made an exception for the egomaniac liar Trump.

I hate no one but will admit to having a low tolerance for the likes of our president.

By calling neo-Nazis “fine people,” along with his history of bigotry, I believe Trump is a dog-whistle racist at best.

I find calling those who died in service to our country “losers” and “suckers,” as reported in The Atlantic, appalling, especially by a draft dodger. Unlike Trump, I believe John McCain to be a war hero. As a veteran, I am personally offended.

Four times a year I write checks, payable to the U.S. Treasury, as my fair share estimated tax payment to live in this great country. Trump considers nonpayment or minimal tax payments as evidence of how “smart” he is. Even Uncle Sam has to dislike Trump.

MAGA enablers and spineless sycophants who remain silent, thus acquiescing to his behavior, are complicit with their unchallenged approval of Trump’s actions and words with their votes. I cannot and am certain that Will Rogers wouldn’t either.

Glenn R. Plummer, Unity

Trump has given us back our pride

Hate President Donald J. Trump or love him, he has brought respect back to our great nation. He has created an economy that is envied by the world. He has created jobs and brought manufacturing home. He has eliminated crippling regulations; improved the lives of all Americans, especially minorities; he has restored our military strength; and he has given us back our American pride.

Now what about Joe Biden? He has served as a government public servant for 47 years. Suddenly, he has all the answers and knows how to strengthen and guide our country. Why now? Why not during his 47 years in office? He says all the right words, but do his words have any meaning, or are they just empty promises for election?

On Nov. 3, my vote is going to Donald J. Trump. He has kept his campaign promises while dealing with the constant bias of the press and the despicable antics of the Democratic Party. Trump is strong enough to beat the swamp and sensible enough to fight for our great nation and the lives of all American citizens.

Jeanne Shields, North Huntingdon

Don’t depend on press, social media

I am 74 years old, a conservative, a veteran, retired and have studied history most of my life. I am also one of those individuals who wishes President Trump would cut down on his tweets, but that’s another story.

What bothers me even more is how blatantly misguiding I find the liberal press and social media have become. I always thought the idea of the press was to get the best story and get it right, not give your own opinions, or half stories, or just outright lies.

I believe what is going on today in the liberal media is exactly what was done prior to and all through World War II by the press in Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia. They would take a story, twist it and make it fit to what they wanted it to say, not the truth. Consequently, the people from those countries never got the right and full message.

In just a few weeks, the people of this country will be voting to determine how this country will move forward. To me, it’s a choice between democracy and socialism. I am asking everyone before making a decision on who you are going to vote for to check out all the facts from as many sources as you can, liberal and conservative, before you make your choice. Our freedoms depend on this election.

John Jasneski, Shaler

Regulations are necessary, as they protect citizens

In the article “Biden visit stirs pro, con sentiments among Westmoreland residents”, a man was quoted as saying he supports President Trump “trying to cut back on regulations.” I propose that regulations are often necessary. We, the common folk, need government oversight of industry to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the conditions we work in, just to name a few things we as individuals often have no control over.

For example, a few pages later, in the article “Ex-coal CEO files for black lung benefits,” I read that for years, former coal company CEO Robert Murray fought mine safety regulations to cut coal dust in mines which would have decreased the incidence of black lung, saying “they were too costly to the industry.” Through research, I learned that according to court filings in December 2019, Murray paid himself a $14 million bonus — but the company couldn’t afford the updated safety measures to better protect miners from black lung! Ironically, Murray is now filing for black lung compensation.

Another example: Saying that it was “too difficult” for companies, the current administration repealed stream protection regulations that prevented coal companies from dumping mining waste in waterways — waste that contains toxic heavy metals. Does this help coal miners? The coal company can save money by polluting the water that makes miners, their families and residents of nearby towns ill.

When a company says regulations are burdensome, that often means they don’t want to comply with air, water and health regulations that protect you and me.

Vickie Oles, Ligonier Township

Let’s stop rewriting history

Mayor Peduto, this cancel culture is getting way out of hand, and your covering up of the Christopher Columbus statue continues to cower to the vocal minority and borders on embarrassing and hysterical (“Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto recommends removal of Columbus statue from Scheney Park,”). Where and when does this stop? Andrew Carnegie owned local steel mills in the 19th century that killed countless workers, let alone nine Homestead strikers who were killed by hired Pinkertons. Should we force CMU to change names? Henry Frick was mainly responsible for the Johnston flood that killed 2,200 people. Should we rename Frick Park? Robert Morris was involved in the early slave trade. We don’t talk about that but should we force RMU to change names?

The family Pittsburgh is named for was a leading force in the French-Indian War that displaced the local Indian tribes. By the way, where are all the 18th-century indigenous people from Western Pennsylvania today? Should we rename the city?

I needn’t go on because the list of local and national American historical figures with not-so-glorious pasts in the eyes of 2020 citizenry goes on and on. History cannot be rewritten, but it can be taught.

Ken Goga, Level Green

Barrett is a great example of Christianity

I’ve watched the entire confirmation hearing that the article “Barrett tells doubtful Dems she’d keep open mind on court” discusses, and I am struck by one surprising realization.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett appears to be a straightforward, kind, faithful, gracious, good, intelligent, hardworking person, a mother of seven who has had an impeccable career. In fact, even in this hyperpartisan political environment, the Democrats have been unable to find fault with her. But that’s not the surprising part.

The surprising part is that anyone would be surprised by that. This is what true Christians look like. We live to serve others as Christ teaches us to do. Sadly, due in part to high-profile personal failures, our faith has become synonymous with closed-minded bigotry in the national media.

Nothing could be further from the ideals that we strive to live by. America has nothing to fear from Christians. Barrett is a great example. And I’m surprised that I feel the need to point that out.

Richard J. Krauland, East Franklin Township

Gov. Wolf must continue management of virus to protect us

Gov. Wolf, please, please be careful! Stop openings to satisfy people who want to drink, people who have to eat in restaurants. They have these views of restraint and inconvenience that translate to impinging on their American freedoms. Selfish is a better description.

Your management of the virus conditions will determine “who lives and who dies.” Accept that and act just as an average human American. Please protect us in Pennsylvania.

Richard Boley, Murrysville

Note on election letters: The Tribune-Review will accept submissions of election-related letters until Oct. 19. Election-related letters will not be published after Nov. 1.

Categories: Letters to the Editor | Opinion