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I am surprised Democrats don’t remember President Harry S. Truman ordering American flyers to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and three days later a second bomb on Nagasaki, thus bringing Japan to sign a peace treaty and end WWII.

Democrat Truman was so much like Donald J. Trump. He had a strong personality and fighting spirit, which won him loyal friends and bitter enemies. He was blunt and outspoken and often lashed out with strong language at those who opposed him. He was said to be undignified, but his friends loved him.

Israel became a nation again because of Truman, and Trump recognized Jerusalem as its capital. Divine intervention?

Why are Democrats so upset because a vicious Iranian was killed? Should Trump have allowed another Benghazi to happen?

As a young teen I remember a Life magazine cover showing a girl, maybe my age, running down a road in one of those Japanese cities, with clothes that look as if they had been burned. If that Iranian had lived we might see that scene again in an American city.

When you condemn Trump, remember that Truman had to take the same step to save America.

Ann Mitchell

Tyler

Royal split

With the split of Harry and Megan with the royal family, I am wondering if that leaves the royal family and the people of England on the hook for their new house, among other amenities.

Nancy L. Rhodes

Tyler

Fairness DEMANDED

Rarely do parties with opposing views find agreement at the extreme edges of the spectrum of ideas. It is more common to meet in the middle.

The middle on the topic of the Senate impeachment trial should be a fair trial in which all senators evaluate the evidence objectively and vote based on evidence presented that is legally and factually sufficient.

The very essence of our system of government demands a fair trial that respects American judicial standards. Anything less than that will further erode trust in our government and divide our nation.

This presidential administration has established and promoted a level of dishonesty that will impact anyone who hears it and lacks the critical thinking skills to distinguish truth from lies. His political party has largely embraced his dishonesty for personal gain and political expediency. The question should not be whether government fears the people or people fear the government, but whether people can establish government that they trust will act fairly, transparently and honestly.

A July 22, 2019, Pew Research study found that, “Nearly two-thirds (64%) say that low trust in the federal government makes it harder to solve many of the country’s problems.”

It’s imperative that each of us understand, recognize and reject lies, dishonesty and deceit in matters of fundamental importance. And a half-truth can be just as deceptive as a whole lie. Socrates established the importance of asking deep questions that probe profoundly into thinking before we accept ideas as worthy of belief. #TruthBeBold.

Michael Tolbert

Tyler

THANKFUL FOR HELP

On Jan. 8, I caught my kitchen area on fire! I left my cast-iron skillet with oil in it on the high burner and left the room. Unfortunately I got distracted and the next thing I knew, the smoke alarm was going off. I returned to find flames going up from the skillet past the vent-a-hood, even to the ceiling.

I immediately called Lindale 911 for the volunteer fire department. However, since I live in a mobile home I knew that almost certainly by the time they could possibly get here it would be too late to save my home.

I then called my dear friend/neighbor who lives across the fence from me, and fortunately she happened to be home at the time. I frantically told her my kitchen was on fire. Then I looked down the road and she was already running full speed with a fire extinguisher in hand. I opened my door and she immediately begin spraying the flames. Thankfully she was able to put it out. Otherwise I am quite sure my house would have burned to the ground. She is truly an unsung heroine!

A few minutes later the Lindale Fire Department arrived with an army of firetrucks. Not only did they check to make sure there was no fire left in the walls, but they made sure I was all right.

My father was a Dallas fireman in the ’30s and ’40s, so I am quite aware that these brave men put their very lives on the line for our community. I am very grateful to them.

Praise the lord that he again protected me. I could have been trapped in the back bedroom that has no exit. Also I am very thankful to family and friends for their many hours to help clean up. We have had to throw away food that could have been contaminated by the toxic fumes and wash all the dishes and laundry. But, again, praise the Lord it is repairable.

Alice Wright

Tyler