I’m no Hillary Clinton fan, but why in the world would anyone vote for Donald Trump?
Because he’s a friend of the American worker? Except when he doesn’t pay them for work or scams them (Trump University). Moneyed interests (e.g., Trump) love free trade, because U.S. workers must compete against billions of low-paid workers worldwide. No, he’ll continue to have his clothing line made in China and fill his hotels and golf courses with Chinese-made goods.
Because he’s a Christian? Does he strike you as being a compassionate man? Is he a role model for our children or for family values or for keeping the Commandments? Are the poor and vulnerable a high priority for him? Does he welcome the stranger/foreigner? Does he forgive those who offend him and meaningfully ask forgiveness when he has offended others? Or does Donald Trump worship himself, as false an idol as you could name?
Because he speaks truth to power? Can a serial liar do that? And what if he becomes the power? He’s a thin-skinned bully like his hero, Vladimir Putin. Give Trump the NSA data collected on all Americans, and he’ll silence truth-tellers. This is the man, after all, who says the Central Park Five are still guilty, even after DNA and the actual killer’s confession said otherwise.
Because he’ll make America great again? By being divisive? By appealing to the worst in us: racism, sexism, xenophobia, inciting violence? By creating a toxic, mean-spirited climate of insults and threats? And how seriously will we be taken on the world stage when our chief executive is a sexual predator and flim-flam man?
The Constitution, which all members of our three branches of government are sworn to uphold, is the single greatest document in human political history because it recognizes the corrupting influence of power. Donald Trump’s “leadership” style isn’t even remotely consistent with that document, but it’s a perfect match for fascism or a Third World dictatorship.
Allan MacDonald New London
Vermonters have had to endure higher taxes, increased cost of living, a lack of good-paying jobs, higher housing rentals and a drug epidemic. We are looking at the government taking away our local control of schools. We experienced the waste of millions of our money with the completely impractical single-payer fiasco.
This is the year we should be drawing a line in the sand, saying enough! It is the year for a major change in Montpelier. The Democrats have an abysmal record, but keep asking for our vote and keep getting it. Name any professional that you keep going back to despite constant failures. If a doctor fails to make you better, you try a different one. If a mechanic can’t get your car to run properly, you take it elsewhere.
So with our state becoming increasingly unaffordable, taxes going up every year with no attempt to stop it, and the inability to attract good-paying jobs, isn’t it time to try something different?
We have seen along with established taxes a new sugar tax — another way to grab more money from our pockets. Next up if they have their way is the carbon tax, a way to grab millions under the guise of saving our environment. We have some excellent choices for state Senate and state representatives with a mindset of fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and job growth. If you vote for a continued assault on affordability for Vermonters, then shame on you.
Keith Stern North Springfield, Vt.
For more than 30 years, volunteers from Lebanon and surrounding communities have worked together to make the Lebanon Christmas Day Dinner available for all. Funded entirely by private donations and tremendous community support, the Lebanon Christmas Dinner is free and open to all who would like to share a delicious meal and fellowship, regardless of need. For those who don’t travel, transportation or meal delivery is provided.
The 2016 Christmas Dinner is in the planning stage. We are in need of donations to help with costs, as well as volunteers to help prepare, serve and deliver. Information on the dinner and how to donate, as well as descriptions of the many volunteer opportunities, can be found at the dinner’s website: lebanonchristmasdinner.org.
Planning and carrying out the dinner requires significant volunteer coordination. To continue this wonderful holiday tradition, the 2016 team seeks volunteers to be part of the leadership team this year, and to help lead coordination efforts in the future. We invite those who are able to commit to help continue the success of the Christmas Dinner to contact Dick DuMez at 603-359-6100.
Dick DuMez Enfield Al Michalovic Lebanon
Some people in politics and in other fields feel they are entitled to a high position because they say so. When their demands are not met, they tend to blame others.
Donald Trump is now using the conspiracy strategy to explain his possible defeat in this election. The conspirators include the press, the establishment, weak Republican leaders and on and on. His fact-lacking conclusion is that the election will be “rigged.”
Apparently immersed in a state of denial, he has failed to come to grips with the fact that his bullying behavior, his lies, lack of preparation, insensitive statements and arrogance are just some of the factors that have rigged this election against him.
It has led me to paraphrase a famous quote from the comic strip Pogo. He has found the enemy and it is him. Sadly, Mr. Trump doesn’t get it.
Porter Miller Orford
This is not about the election. I’m amazed that so many Vermonters know so little about battery and paint recycling programs. I’m somewhat embarrassed that those of us tasked with educating the public haven’t done a better job. We are trying.
As of Jan. 1, all Vermonters are strongly urged to recycle all batteries. Please do not put any batteries in your trash. If you have computer access, go to call2recycle.org/vermont/. You will learn how and where to easily recycle your batteries. If you have no computer, call 802-674-4474 and the Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District will gladly instruct you.
As of May 1, 2014, all Vermonters may recycle their paint any time of year. Please do not put paint in your trash. Visit paintcare.org/paintcare-states/vermont/ or call the number above. One more thing — fluorescent bulbs contain mercury. Mercury is toxic. Please do not put these bulbs in your trash. Visit lamprecycle.org/state-local-laws/vermont/ or call us for information. Put broken bulbs in a sealed plastic bag. Thank you all for doing your part.
Ham Gillett Ascutney