Dear Editor,
I write this to clarify for friends and family the current state of play in our beloved USA.
The accelerating wave of authoritarianism is disconcerting and requires universal condemnation from all, everywhere, at all times.
In my long career at IBM, I became aware of how to differentiate between facts and opinions …i.e. the search for truth. What follows are some deviations from truth.
Our national debt is exploding. Inflation continues unabated, fueled in part by tariffs or sales taxes paid by citizens. Recently, China was hit with a 130% tariff right before the holiday season. Brazilian exports were hit with a 50% tariff.
The conservative principle of small government has been obscured by huge growth in ICE. The attempt to eliminate healthcare subsidies offsets any apparent tax benefits of the recent Big Ugly Bill.
The policies to reduce diversity and women in the military coupled with honoring generals of the Confederacy, like Robert E. Lee, have affected morale in the professional ranks as have the speeches by Secretary Pete Hegseth. Finally, promises to end the war in Ukraine and hold Putin accountable have failed. It is true that progress has been made in Gaza, but it will be a long journey to peace.
The concentration of media ownership in a handful of billionaires limits access to information and free expression, which are the bedrocks of democracy. The claim that “No Kings Day” is “Hate America Day” is absurd and not true. The anti-science efforts of the administration are antithetical to our history and aspirations to lead in innovative ways. Lastly, the fiasco and coverup pertaining to the so-called Epstein files is shameful and has prevented the proper seating of an elected representative from New Mexico.
The GOP and the cultic figures that support MAGA principles are ruining this country. MAGA is an oxymoron.
-Herbert Oringel, Somers
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