Memorial Day parade intruders wave flag of draft-dodging ex-president: Letters

Memorial Day parade intruders wave flag of draft-dodging ex-president

May 31 — To the Editor:

It was deeply disturbing to see the vehicle caravan that paraded around downtown Portsmouth on Monday’s holiday led by a “train” with a large Trump flag on it.  How dare them politicize Memorial Day, and especially waving a flag picturing the ex-President who dodged the draft five times, four for college and one for bone spurs. He was one of the many sons from wealthy families who found ways to avoid going to Vietnam back then.

Trump denigrated John McCain for having been “caught” after being shot down, then imprisoned, in North Vietnam as a POW for over five years. He dishonored Gold Star families during his campaign and term.  This is the “patriot” that should be displayed on this day of remembrance for those who did give their lives for our country? Shame on them for politicizing our Memorial Day event in this manner.

Tess Holom Schneier

Kittery, Maine

'Good guy with a gun' is the height of hypocrisy

May 28 — To the Editor:

Republicans and the gun lobby and Fox News love to tell us that, “The answer to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” I have heard this mantra ad nauseam after each slaughter.

Well, there’s one place in Texas filled with “good guys” and it is safe! But that’s not why it’s safe. It’s safe because everyone is frisked at the door, no one is allowed to carry, open or concealed. It’s called the NRA convention!

Now why would the NRA ban guns? It’s because the NRA hierarchy knows that in a room full of people carrying guns, the chances of someone, or lots of people, getting shot is very high; they know their “good guy with a gun” mantra is total BS.

Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway all had a culture of gun ownership, and all tightened restrictions after a mass shooting. Their gun violence statistics are now sharply lower than those of the U.S. Obviously America needs gun legislation to protect citizens. If other countries can do it so can we!

Michael Frandzel

Portsmouth

NH is gold standard of elections; reject rumors and misinformation

May 28 – To the Editor:

As a recent retiree, I now have time to be a poll worker. It is an honor.

I can only speak to the process I personally experienced. Everyone connected with the election realized we were stewards of an awesome legacy. Poll workers were required to attend two hours of training, learning routines and becoming prepared for exceptional circumstances. We took our oath of office, recognizing its weight.

On Election Day, floaters in every room helped as needed. Voters proceeded in the assurance that each vote mattered. As we voted or enabled the voting, we rededicated ourselves to democracy.

Gov. Chris Sununu has announced “New Hampshire is the gold standard" in elections.  So why is there a Special Committee on Voter Confidence?  Their website states “New Hampshire is one of the easiest places for voters to register and cast their ballots, but concerns about declining voter confidence have been voiced in the state, as well as nationally.”

How can such doubt exist? Lies about stolen elections and bad machines have influenced public opinion. There is no evidence of bad actors in our election process, except those who want to change the outcome by any means necessary. Do not allow this "misinformation" to poison our faith in New Hampshire elections.

Please send a quick email to VoterConfidence@sos.nh.gov. Let the Special Committee know you admire the integrity of elections in your town. What needs fixing? The ability of citizens to believe rumors, contrary to their own experience!  Become a poll worker and see for yourself.

Susan Richman

Durham

Open letter to NH Gov. Sununu urging him to love children more than guns

May 29 -- To the Editor:

Dear Governor Sununu,

As a concerned parent, NH resident and American, I would love to see our uniquely amazing state take the lead in banning assault rifles as well as enact stricter gun control.

You are the leader the for the job. If you were to take a leadership role on this topic it would propel you onto a national platform as the man who can lead this country to a safer place.  You would be known as the Governor who loves children more than guns. After all, feeling safe is true freedom.

Don’t kowtow to the antiquated white haired men leading the Republican party. They are out of touch with what NH residents and Americans want.

Stay strong and listen to the young people of the state and country. Listen to the cries of parents who have had their children gunned down with legally obtained military grade weapons. Listen to the worldwide statistics showing how America leads in murders and suicides by gun.

This is the time to rise up as the independently minded Republican that you claim to be. Ban assault rifles. Ask the House and Senate to create a law for background checks and a waiting period for handgun ownership. And don’t take campaign funds from gun lobbyists and gun manufacturers.

You are a father. You are an American. Lead NH into the future and ensure that our children have one!

Brinn Sullivan

Exeter

We need Dr. Tom Sherman to tackle NH mental health issues

May 29 -- To the Editor:

What kind of person goes into a school and shoots children?! A young person with mental health issues. It's obvious that calling for better parenting or more church going is not the answer there. We can't regulate that. What we can do, and haven't done adequately in NH is improve our mental health services for young people in our schools and in our mental health facilities where dozens of children are waiting for admission.

That means funding public schools, where mental health issues are on the rise, so they can afford mental health resources. It means money for NH hospitals that do not have adequate psychiatric beds. Dr. Tom Sherman, if elected Governor, understands that need, understands how to work with the NH legislature, and knows that sometimes, a governor has to use the power of the office to handle a crisis instead of waiting for a bill to cross his desk.

Robin Schnell

Portsmouth

Remember those who died needlessly during botched Afghanistan evacuation

May 29 -- To the Editor:

On this Memorial Day 2022, it is appropriate to honor the memory the 13 Marines killed (and the 20-plus service personnel injured) in the bungled Afghanistan evacuation on Aug. 26, 2021.

Their deaths were the direct result of one of the most ill-conceived and idiotic evacuation plans ever ordered by a Commander in Chief. The closing of Bagram airbase (and other outlying airbases) prior to the complete execution of the evacuation, and the subsequent release of thousands of terrorists (one of whom murdered our Marines) during the height of the most dangerous fighting season are decisions and actions that must never be forgotten.  The upcoming election season will be an opportunity to put in place representatives who will oppose such lunacy in the future.

Tom Steele (former Lt. USN Air & Viet Vet)

Rye

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Memorial Day parade intruders wave flag of draft dodger Trump: Letters