Trump as the hoax: Letters to the editor, July 17, 2020

The real hoax? It’s Trump himself

As a Vietnam veteran I am appalled by the number of veterans who still support this traitorous president of the U.S. It is obvious to anyone with half a brain that this coward blowhard is totally inept and self-serving at leading this country.

Another group that should be ashamed is the evangelicals who focus on two commandments and ignore the other eight. This man has no true love for all the brave men who have fought for freedom. He is shallow and forever seeking praise to fulfill the emptiness in his heart. He has fallen prey to Putin’s evil influence. I believe he is afraid to confront his mentor.

I pray for the mothers of those who have fallen as a result of Putin’s bounty. America needs to wake up and rid us of this poor excuse of a man. He is the hoax he refers to.

Not surrendering to COVID-19

Opening is not a “return to normal.” Sheltering in place is not “hiding in the basement.” Opening up is taking what we have learned about maximizing health and safety during the past horribly disruptive four months. Opening up is applying best practices as we battle COVID. The war, the game, is just beginning. We have learned how to bend the curve . But like any championship team, we have to maintain focus, not relax, and keep playing at our top level and beyond.

COVID is not just lurking. Hospitalization rates in Fresno County have been increasing. America is confronting the prospect of 200,000 dead by October. Other countries have demonstrated that level of loss is a choice, not an inevitability. We should be shaken, not accepting or numb to the loss of so many fellow citizens.

Your actions affect the outcome. Hand washing, sanitizers, social distancing, masks — do them all proudly in defiance of COVID. Embrace the order for statewide mask wearing. Protect yourself and your neighbor.

Be protective of free speech

These days, more and more people want descriptive words and names changed and statues torn down because they are offended by something. And, if they don’t get their way, they boycott businesses, get people fired or resort to violence.

I’m offended by rap/hip hop music that glorifies gang/prison culture; and by news media that distort the truth for political purposes; and by leftists who try to shove their misguided beliefs down everyone’s throat via political correctness. However, I would defend the right of such people to express themselves.

It would be nice if everyone were less sensitive and a little more protective of free speech.

Need to ramp up prison hygiene

Coronavirus cases in jails have been on the rise. With the number of people in these places, it has become easy to spread diseases. Although Fresno County has quarantined inmates who have tested positive for the virus, there are still hundreds who are awaiting results. Those inmates could continue to spread the virus to others around them, even when quarantined where they've been housed.

The cells in both prisons and jails are small, making it easy for germs to spread. Bacteria and viruses can fester in dirty sheets, dishes, and even the walls of the cells. Communal bathrooms can be another easy place to spread diseases. Unless they are regularly cleaned, infections can and will continue to spread. Not to mention items such as soap, a key ingredient to keeping safe from the virus, are rationed or bought with money inmates may not have.

Prisons are not doing enough to keep inmates safe from COVID-19. They have the right to stay healthy, as well.

This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Trump as the hoax: Letters to the editor, July 17, 2020."