Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
Love America The Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., characterizes those who rally in opposition of the current administration as hating America. I support the “No Kings” rallies and most certainly do not hate America. Mr. Speaker, if you loved America and appreciated what it stood for you would retract those comments. I did not spend the Cold War at sea defending this country to accept such rhetoric from you, especially since you are second in line to accede to the presidency. You need to re-read the Constitution and get to work acting as a co-equal branch of government rather than bowing to the wishes of the Trump administration. You also need to re-read U.S. history; if it weren’t for our ancestors protesting King George III (and not peacefully), we would not exist as a country today. Shame on you, sir. Have you no sense of honor or decency? Capt. James Burritt, U.S. Navy retired, Virginia Beach Debatable I felt compelled to write this after watching the Oct. 9 Virginia gubernatorial debate. Everyone needs to understand the significance of our choice for the next Virginia governor — someone who will shape economic, social and education policy, and guide our state into the future. After watching the debate, I am not confident that Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is the right candidate for this responsibility. I waited for the debate to finalize my decision as a voter; it only reinforced my conviction that I made the correct choice. I offer some clarification to my fellow Virginians: Virginia must lead the way in technological innovation, particularly in energy use and data centers. Earle-Sears mentioned coming from a “third-world country, Jamaica” but that is not an excuse, and it is surprising that she lacks a basic grasp of science from her early education. Her apparent misunderstanding of how energy is generated, stored, used and distributed is deeply concerning, especially for someone who will influence tax policy related to energy in our state. During the debate, Earle-Sears questioned, “What will happen when the sun goes down,” in reference to solar power. Is she aware of how energy — all forms — is stored? Understanding these scientific principles and the necessary resources is crucial for making sound monetary and fiscal policy and fostering economic growth in Virginia. We must ask ourselves: Do we want willful ignorance to lead our great state? Connie Morgan, Hampton Hypocrisy I can’t argue that the messages Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones sent to a colleague weren’t irresponsible and wrong. Jones has acknowledged this and apologized to everyone for his actions. What I find hypocritical is that the voices telling Jones to step down from his campaign because of his words are the same people who fight against any form of reasonable gun control. Why is there no acknowledgment that reasonable gun control could prevent some of the gun violence that our country sees on a daily basis? Why does the public not tell these legislators who block efforts to make our schools, our places of worship, our places of work, etc., safer, to “step down” when the public is victimized again and again? Yes, it’s wrong to wish violence on anyone, but it’s even worse to protect the gun lobby to the detriment of one’s constituents. Elizabeth Ray, Norfolk White House President Donald Trump’s demolition of the East Wing of the White House is symbolic of exactly what he is doing to our democracy. Ginny Diezel, Virginia Beach Election letters We will accept letters related to the election through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and publish them, space permitting, through Friday, Oct. 31.
