Letters to the Editor

TOTAL VICTORY

Referencing Marc Thiessen’s Feb. 11 column “Great nations … don’t quit,” we have and continue to. Our first time? Korea. More than 30,000 gave their lives and 3,000 lived in POW compounds. Our politicians gave up because our people were tired of war. The KIA 30,000 can’t ask, but we can and should. Exit strategy? Total victory and no other is acceptable. Don’t get on an aircraft carrier until you have walked through all of the enemy’s towns and strongholds.

Jerry Carson, Tyler

DESERVES BETTER

As the potential secretary of state, David Whitley would be responsible for elections in our great state. When questioned, he said he thought the definition of voter suppression was irrelevant. In fact, it would be his job to know the definition — and again, his job to address voter inequity in our state on behalf of all Texans. Misrepresenting voter data is not a sustainable way to build a career. We do not need a secretary of state who uses perverted data to “rile up” the state against a faux voting problem. Texas deserves better than Whitley.

Samantha Almeida, Bullard

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS

I would like to respectfully take issue with an editorial that was published in the February 11, 2019, issue, titled “End religious exemption for vaccines in New York.” While I agree that the measles outbreak in New York needs to be thoughtfully addressed, I take issue with the statement that eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations is the only way to keep children safe. I also do not believe that the majority of Texans and East Texans would agree with this statement. Most of us live in Texas because we appreciate less government regulation of our businesses and freedom to practice our religion as we see fit. I understand that editorials for our local paper are no longer being written by locals. However, I would suggest that those that are published be selected because they represent the thought of Texans, and specifically East Texans.

Debra McCook, Tyler

MAGA HAT

I have had my MAGA hat almost three years. During that time, I have had hundreds of comments from strangers in dozen of businesses in Tyler. All but one was positive, such as: I love (like, appreciate) your hat! The one negative comment was not printable! The surprising and encouraging thing is most of the compliments were from young people 30 years old or younger — both male and female!

I have added a U.S.A. hat with flag, a Make America Great hat and a Trump 2020 hat. My political survey continues. Donald Trump is exactly what real Texans have been yearning for. A president who puts America first and does what he promises — in spite of very little help from politicians in the Washington swamp!

Join me, don’t be intimidated! Get your MAGA hat out of the closet and wear it every place! It will make you proud like a real American should be.

Hundreds of compliments have made my day for almost three years!

Harry Bergman, Tyler