Please vote in person
Each voter who wants our democracy to survive this election should seriously consider voting in person. I am in a high-risk category. I will mask up, socially distance and vote in person for Joe Biden. It is a calculated risk. I would rather risk getting COVID-19 than live to see Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump take down our democracy!
I will vote in honor of my dad, a World War II veteran who risked his life in the invasion of Okinawa, Japan, to protect our way of life. And I will do it for Momma Rose, my 99-year-old “Rosie the Riveter” neighbor. I will do it for my grandchildren because their inheritance of our democracy is more important than any risk to my safety.
I hope others will put country first and take a calculated risk to vote in person. We can reduce the Trump threat of using mail-in voting to create the chaos necessary to steal this election. And, if you must vote my mail, please do it early. If we can take Texas away from Trump, our democracy will survive.
Linda J. Pelon, Dallas
Hegar patriotic, courageous
I served four years in the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment during the Berlin Wall crisis. People who serve risk life and limb (even in peacetime) and deserve respect for their service and sacrifice. President Donald Trump allegedly attacked retired and serving military leaders and has insulted Gold Star families, decorated veterans and military heroes like the late Sen. John McCain.
Rather than having the courage to defend the integrity of our military, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn remained silent about this. Also, during the impeachment hearings, Cornyn voted against hearing any witnesses and then voted to acquit Trump.
Cornyn, whose silence dishonors veterans, must be replaced. We need more veterans in Congress like MJ Hegar with proven patriotism and courage through service to country.
Edward Silha, Austin
Foes wrongly blame Trump
Re: “When is enough enough?" by Irma Myers-Donihoo, Sept. 13 Letters.
Myers-Donihoo states, “He [President Donald Trump] has helped cause the deaths of over 190,000 Americans.” Worldwide deaths are now about 972,000. China probably knew about the virus in November. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in February to “come on down to Chinatown.” In March, Trump was called xenophobic and racist for shutting down Chinese travel.
So, is Trump responsible for all these deaths? China hiding the truth? Congress refusing to pass the relief bill? The lack of common sense in 50 states? Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s lack of accomplishments for 46 years? The problems of cities run by Democratic mayors? Biden’s amateurish podcasts? No!
But Democrats will be responsible for further damage to our cities and police forces if they elect Biden on Nov. 3.
Fred W. Doyle, Dallas
Opposite of greater
America is not made “greater” or "better' or “safer” by a president who promotes bigotry rather than brotherhood, cruelty rather than compassion, greed rather than generosity, fear rather than hope, falsehoods rather than truth, ignorance rather than enlightenment, and destruction rather than renewal.
Ed Soph, Denton
Learn about Fort Hood
I believe the military (active and retired) as well as civilians, especially those wanting to go in the military, should know what is going on at Fort Hood.
Joseph Del Ferro, Mesquite
Remember the American dream
Re: “Candidates crave voter face time — As Nov. 3 nears, some hit the campaign trail for in-person contact,” by Gromer Jeffers Jr., Monday news story.
While Jeffers' desire to appear politically neutral is understandable, this column neglects several important facts. Although I agree with his conclusion regarding Secretary Hillary Clinton’s loss being due to the disengagement of progressives, we should also remember that she won the popular election by approximately 3 million votes. This was the second time in 20 years that a presidential election was decided by the Electoral College, an institution that has long outlived its original purpose.
I would also like to remind everyone that there was a thumb on the scale placed there by Russia, Wikileaks and the corrupt actions of President Donald Trump’s campaign officials, several of whom have been convicted of crimes.
Further, I find the Republican response to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to be grossly hypocritical. But Republicans have demonstrated their love of power over principle consistently in the last 40 years. And they have been aided in that by the loud voices of the right wing media.
We are in a critical moment. We must have facts over spin and leadership over polarization. We must have a president who believes in the American dream.
Mark Vonnahme, Irving
No need to be negative
The Dallas Stars surprised most fans making it to the Stanley Cup finals. A great feat in itself. So it was very disappointing Thursday morning to see the negative photo of the Stars goalie. Despite what many think, readers (especially sports fans) look for good news.
As a retired sports journalist of 45 years, I look back to the ’80s and ’90s. When the Cowboys won, The Dallas Morning News sold thousands of extra papers on Monday. Not so when they lost. The world is too negative as it is. Let’s keep sports positive and fun.
Dave Smith, McKinney
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