Trump and GOP values: Letters to the editor, Dec. 25, 2019

With Trump, GOP discards values

“What does it profit a man to gain the world but suffer the loss of his soul?” Republicans thought they had “gained the world” when they achieved complete control of government in 2016, only to face rejection in the 2018 midterm elections, and now, possible impeachment of their president. They did not, however, “suffer” the loss of their souls; rather, they consciously discarded them — willingly, deliberately, and without regard for the millions of citizens who believed the Republican party stood for law and order, family values and fiscal responsibility.

Instead, they chose to enable and carry water for a man not worthy of mention in the same breath as Ronald Reagan or John McCain; who welcomed assistance for his election from Vladimir Putin, someone Republicans have long despised, and who obsequiously caters to Putin’s interests at every opportunity. They have learned to lie as effortlessly as the man for whom they function as sycophants, and now he, and they, deserve the same disdain they once reserved for Putin.

Republicans have consistently failed to support American values, stand for honor and decency, and uphold the rule of law. May their place in history reflect the contempt they deserve.

What is value of Constitution?

I have a simple question of the Republicans in Congress who routinely excuse the behavior of the president and support him without exception: How many pieces of silver is the Constitution worth to you?

Climate activists chase a phantom

Charging manufacturers a carbon fee will, in theory, prompt them to reduce their carbon footprint; or, more likely, they will simply pass along the higher costs to the consumer. Oh, the money generated by the carbon tax will be redistributed to “every household in the U.S. equally” thus offsetting the higher prices. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, the costs of goods will increase; the estimated numerical values of CO2 reduction and economic benefits to each citizen are pure speculation; and taxes will have to go up to pay for a new bureaucracy to run the program.

Climate activists are chasing a phantom. Carbon dioxide now comprises 0.05% of the atmosphere. To suppose that, among the multitude of factors influencing the climate, this minuscule player is the main driver of global warming challenges the imagination. CO2 is 95% of the Martian atmosphere; Mars’ temperature is below zero 10 months of the year. Does a molecule that absorbs and then radiates energy preferentially radiate heat back to the warm Earth rather than to the cooler troposphere?

Reducing pollution by limiting fossil fuel use is laudable, but the effects of climate change won’t be prevented or mitigated by slaying a chimera.

A small expense yields a big reward

Danny is a disabled Navy vet who loves to talk, has kind eyes, and has an infectious laugh. Brad is a dreamer with wide eyes. Bobby has the patience that many of us long for. Sarah has bipolar disorder and is in desperate need of medicine that she cannot afford, and Al is a Korean War vet with a resiliency that is unrivaled.

All are amazing men and women that I’ve met recently. I spent a week giving them simple gifts, small thing that they deeply appreciated. A cheeseburger. A cup of coffee. A few dollars so they could stay the night at a motel on Parkview Drive. Over the week, I spent a total of $4.45, yet I never imagined that such a small expense could make me feel so empowered. I now felt invested in another person’s life. I know their names and they know mine and this has made all the difference.

This story was originally published December 25, 2019 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Trump and GOP values: Letters to the editor, Dec. 25, 2019."