A question not much discussed in news accounts of Donald Trump’s out-of-the-blue decision to pull troops out of Syria and Afghanistan is the timing of his announcement.
It seems pretty obvious that, once again, he is trying, and so far succeeding, to divert press attention from coverage of a subject that he does not want covered — the intensifying coverage of the numerous investigations into the activities of himself, his family and his associates.
It is truly scary that Trump is so egocentric that he would, against the advice of those who know better, commit the country to behavior potentially so dangerous to itself and the rest of the world, simply for his own personal interests.
The only potential good to come of this is the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Mattis’s resignation letter may persuade more Republicans to finally develop backbones and begin to see Trump for the dangerous egomaniac he truly is.
Philip Robertson
Woodstock
E pluribus unum: Out of the many we are one. Or within the one, we are many.
When did we stop being a land of all religions allowed and become one of no religions allowed? I’m referring to the proliferation of complaints about any or all outward shows of another person’s religion. Are jewelry, mode of dress, music or public displays now so offensive that they must be eradicated? What’s next? Razing all the beautiful cathedrals, temples, churches and synagogues to avoid offending the sensibilities of those who live nearby but do not choose to worship within them? Must they all now be built in a plain and simple way that does not call attention to itself?
No, wait — that would be the Amish religious practice of millions of Americans, and I would have to assume that would offend those who are not Amish. Perhaps we should only worship when hidden behind closed doors as they did during a certain time in Europe. I hope I never lose the freedom to walk past or even explore the artistry, architecture, history and pageantry of any and all religions in this wonderful free country, be they on public land or private.
Eugenia Parrish
Hartland
You recently printed a slew of letters denouncing columnist Steve Nelson as, among other things, a “hateful hyperpartisan.” Nelson’s opinions may differ from those of the letter-writers, but his contributions have always struck me as considerably earnest and thoughtful. Nelson is mature enough to know and acknowledge that there are complexities to every situation. When he speaks out strongly against certain things, it is on behalf of values he sees as being corroded — values that include civility, tolerance and compassion for the less fortunate in our society. It is fine to challenge his conclusions, but depicting him as a raving, left-wing lunatic out to destroy religion is itself a distortion, one that (with all due respect) sadly reflects the very corrosiveness Nelson finds so troubling.
Hatred and insults do not advance any cause, let alone the message of Christ.
Dan Breslaw
West Corinth
Richard Bircher in his Dec. 22 op-edit, “The Real Voter Suppression in New Hampshire” writes that Dartmouth students “surely are capable of navigating themselves through such a minor task” as procuring a New Hampshire driver’s license.
Let’s examine how “minor” this task is for an 18-year-old first-year student who wants to make New Hampshire his or her residence.
The nearest DMV to Dartmouth is in Newport. According to Google Maps, that is a 35-minute drive. Most 18-year-olds whose families live in New Hampshire either own a car, can use a family a car or can be driven to the DMV by a parent.
But the Dartmouth Student Handbook says, “First-year students are not permitted to bring a privately-owned vehicle to campus” and their parents and family’s car may be hundreds or thousands of miles away.
So the way that most 18-year-olds living in New Hampshire get to the DMV is not an option. Are there others? There is no bus or public transportation to Newport. There is an Enterprise rental outlet in Hanover. But like most car-rental agencies, Enterprise requires drivers to be at least 21. So renting is out. Maybe take an Uber? The fare I was just quoted was $43.96 for a one-way trip, assuming that a driver is available and willing to make that drive. A taxi would cost more, and the same concerns about availability apply. Or the student could walk (10 hours) or bike (3 hours, 10 minutes). This task does not seem so minor after all.
Scot Drysdale
Hanover
I would like to share the very positive travel experiences I encountered during the recent Thanksgiving season. I was offered and given, as needed, spontaneous assistance from unknown and wonderful people at every point of my trip. Whether these people were fellow travelers, transportation employees or retail employees, they enriched my life immeasurably. What great gifts were given and received. Thank you.
Beverly S. Weeks
White River Junction