Not buying it

I’m sorry, but I’m not buying it.

The author of the Oct. 6 opinion piece “Why this former Republican operative is voting for Harris/Walz” gives two specific reasons: a one-time $6,000 per-child care tax credit, and a small business tax credit (how ever have we managed to achieve so many small business startups in this country, historically, until now?). He also cites that the vice president is “laser-focused” on this, and predicts she and Tim Walz will unify us with bipartisanship and optimism in their leadership. Really? Any examples of this from the past come to mind?

Apparently the writer couldn’t come up with any examples of “fear-mongering, empty promises and dangerous rhetoric” by Democrats. Of course, everyone knows these are strictly Republican tactics.

In my opinion, those two examples can’t possibly justify support for the Democratic presidential candidate, especially after the lack of leadership the last four years. Remember, Kamala Harris, in a recent interview, said she “couldn’t think of anything” she would have done differently than Joe Biden had she been in charge. The author neglected to comment on the border crisis, Afghanistan withdrawal debacle, and terrible energy and economic policies contributing to inflation, to mention a few. And there are the recent statements by Democrats (John Kerry, Walz) calling for the end to the Electoral College, and the desire to end or change the intent of the First Amendment (so they can be the arbiters of what free speech is?).

No, I don’t buy it. Now, if the author had simply given the reason that his extreme dislike of Donald Trump is why, and he doesn’t care who is running the country, as long as it’s not Trump, I’d at least give him credit for being honest, with all due respect.

— Pat McKenzie, Hastings

What kind of a person does this?

Question: How could former President Trump, angry or not, pick up his lunch, served on White House china, and smash it against the wall of the Presidential Dining Room?

This isn’t fake news. Trump’s deranged behavior is documented in “Enough,” a memoir by Cassidy Hutchinson, who was assistant to Mark Meadows, Trump’s chief of staff.

And, there’s more. With her office only feet from the Presidential Dining Room, Ms. Hutchinson would hear the smashing of plates and run in to help kitchen staff wash the walls so they wouldn’t need to be painted.

She witnessed Trump grabbing the entire tablecloth, flipping the settings onto the floor.

White House china. Our china in our house.

Ms. Hutchinson, who was a devoted Trump follower, documents her previously persistent loyalty to Trump. But, as she witnessed more and more of his intimidating and deranged behavior, her ultimate decision was to walk away.

Given our core American values, there is only one remaining question: What kind of man does this?

— Roseanne Olsen, Wausau

‘Am I a Racist?’

I recently watched the thought-provoking documentary “Am I a Racist?” According to Wikipedia, it’s a satirical comedy starring conservative commentator Matt Walsh that lampoons the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement. Directed by Justin Folk for The Daily Wire, it’s described as a mockumentary in the style of “Borat.”

The film sparked a discussion with my wife about the absurdities of racism today. It’s no longer fair to ask anyone if they are a racist; the left, led by Democrats like Kamala Harris and aided by the mainstream press, has rendered the term meaningless. Much like “Nazi,” “racist” is now a catch-all insult for anyone who simply disagrees with their policies. This rampant misuse strips terms like these of their gravity, obscuring the real historical horrors they represent.

The left’s reckless labeling and demonization not only trivializes these terms but also shields those genuinely guilty of racism. By constantly and indiscriminately labeling individuals as racists for political gain, they foster confusion that makes it nearly impossible for the public to distinguish the guilty from the innocent.

Anyone genuinely concerned about racism only undermines their cause by perpetuating this hoax of understanding and sham narrative.

— Dennis Dunnigan, White Bear Lake

Need more engineers?

After reading Allison Danielson’s column about the shortage of engineers in the U.S., I began to wonder how long it will take for the entrepreneurial corporate world to realize that they could apprentice engineers enmass at their own expense.

The large risk and expensive debt load of going to college to obtain an engineering degree could dissuade more than a few potential candidates who could soon be in their employ. A large retiring workforce could be retooled to train the next generation by apprenticeship, just like the trades have done for centuries. There are many possibilities to fill those vacancies, and streamlining the road to do so lies in the hands of corporate America.

— Steve Olin, Somerset

Too much negativity regarding immigrants

There has been way too much negative rhetoric lately regarding immigrants. Anyone who has the burning passion and grit to attempt an escape from an extremely dangerous situation in a place like Guatemala, El Salvador or Honduras to give their children a chance for a better life, needs our help. Making the treacherous, 2,000-mile-plus journey, seeking asylum in our country, is a commendable effort that deserves a reward.

All the various religions I have studied and read about seem to have something in common. Helping the poor and less fortunate is a common theme. We of course have to protect our borders from suspects; but let’s not assume that all immigrants are bad. The vetting process should be done in a warm, welcoming manner. Remember the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would like them to treat you.

— Gus Bjorklund, St. Paul