Campaign 2016
Purple Heart not a political prop
Donald Trump is a disgrace to our brave military. When a Purple Heart recipient gave his medal to Trump, the candidate said "he always wanted one." What Trump refuses to realize is that Purple Hearts have to be earned through sacrifice and Trump has never sacrificed anything. By accepting the medal, Trump has denigrated the sacrifice of every Purple Heart recipient. Every veteran should be outraged.
Tim Fleishman, Oldsmar
Five draft deferments
Donald Trump got five draft deferments from Vietnam service. Remember this as he insults the parents of a dead war hero, calls Vietnam prisoner of war John McCain "no hero," and accuses U.S. troops of stealing money in Iraq.
To dishonor a U.S. veteran or their family is about as low as you can go. A man who has no appreciation for the past sacrifices of our veterans should never be in a position to order future soldiers into war.
Alan L. Light, Iowa City, Iowa
Parents used as shills
No one, including Donald Trump, is questioning the heroism or patriotism of Capt. Humayun Khan. Rather it is his parents, who let themselves be used as shills by sleazy, dishonest politicians at a political convention, who are coming under fire. By making such an obvious political appearance they are as much fair game as anyone else appearing at the conventions.
Ira A. Drosnin, Brandon
Campaign 2016
Where are the tax returns?
Donald Trump continues to stonewall releasing his taxes. It has to be evident to all that he has something to hide. If they even came close to proving how rich and generous he has claimed to be, he would have released them months ago.
Because of the national security briefings he is scheduled to receive, it would be wise to have the FBI review his returns because of the potential ties to Russia. Trump's own son conceded that the family has sizeable interests in the country. We know Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, has had considerable dealing with the Russians. Add to that Trump's continued statements of admiration for Vladimir Putin and everyone should be a little suspect of his involvement with Russia.
There are reports his family is planning an intervention during the distraction of the Olympic Games to get him refocused. If true, I think it certainly supports President Barack Obama's claim that Trump is unfit for office. He rambles and seems truly unable to focus on serious issues.
Jerry Denney, Tampa
Political correctness
It's better to be respectful
Several contributors have written recently that political correctness is a major impediment to solving our country's problems. Really?
A definition: "To be politically correct is to choose words and actions that avoid disparaging, insulting or offending people who belong to groups that are subject to prejudice, disrespect or discrimination on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or physical disability."
Many Donald Trump supporters seem to feel that restoring social acceptance of hostile and disrespectful words and actions toward these people will somehow restore lost social and economic wellbeing for the white middle class. I would argue that political correctness is a national strength, not a weakness. It helps create a more civil society and reduces attitudes and behaviors that distract from real issues and opportunities.
Eliminating political correctness will not begin a process to restore the labor-intensive manufacturing that strengthened our middle class after World War II. That era is gone and is not going to return no matter how many walls we build, tariffs we establish, or agreements we renege on. The world has changed in fundamental ways in the past half-century. It has been hard for many. But we can best meet our challenges by unleashing the creative energy of everyone.
Let's be civil and respectful, avoid rigid ideologies, compromise, consider fact-based alternatives and test the most promising ones, so that together we can address our political, economic, security and technology challenges effectively.
Robert H. More, Riverview
To Scott, silly logic overrides gun laws Aug. 3, Sue Carlton column
Punish violent offenders
There are more than 100 gun laws on the books, and the only ones who obey them are not criminals. The problem stems from the fact that when we apprehend these criminals, the courts let them go. Chicago has the highest rate of crime with guns, and why? They have liberal judges who give criminals a slap on the wrist and tell them to go out and try to be a better person. Once back on the street, they reoffend.
The columnist says "good guys with guns" are only found in the movies. But Google FBI or CDC websites, or just pick up a recent copy of the NRA magazine, and you can read accounts of law-abiding gun owners who have saved their own lives or those of others.
James D. Hildebrand, Spring Hill
Letters to the editor
My letters are so great
I write fabulous letters. If you read all the letters I have written, you would agree. You would love them. Other letter writers are weak, soft and out of touch. I'm not like that, and I'm sure if you are reading this you aren't either.
This paper really needs great letters, and I am awesome at letter writing.
Other letter writers might attack me, but then they go away. They don't have what it takes to keep writing great letters. I have what it takes to write the best letters. Letter writers who disagree need to be punched in the face and run out of town.
I guarantee this letter will be picked as letter of the month. If it isn't picked, it will prove that this letter writing contest is rigged.
Terry Vaught, Dover
Related: 'My letters are the greatest' says author of letter to the editor parodying Trump