It’s foolish to vote for candidates who dismiss scientific truths

Disdain for science

COVID-19 is supreme; it doesn’t care what we want to do. Given more opportunities it will spread, but some Republicans seem unable to grasp this.

Yes, it would be wonderful to reopen schools as Sen. Phil Berger wants, but the virus rules, so a reopening will bring more COVID-19 infections and deaths.

Duke University researchers recently presented compelling visual evidence of the effectiveness of masks in stopping small droplets. Yet, Lt. Governor Dan Forest either doesn’t follow the news or refuses to believe it, for he is still denigrating mask-wearing.

Truth must guide our leaders as they make decisions for us. By their disdain for scientific truths, our state and national Republican leaders have made it foolish to vote for them.

Thomas McKee, Cary

Senate compromise

The death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has led a an even greater, if possible, polarization of American society. But there is a way to bring “red” and “blue” Americans together in the spirit of the late Justice Ginsburg. The Senate could initiate this compromise: Allow President Trump to nominate a new justice, but also invite the House to join the Senate in the confirmation process.

An appointment endorsed by both houses of Congress would go far toward bringing our divided people together, no matter how long it takes and however deliberative the process.

This would be an exceptional and extraordinary process, but these are exceptional and extraordinary times.

Jonathan Gerard, Durham

Term limits

I have been observing all the bickering back between the GOP and the Democrats in filling Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court.

It’s obvious to me that it’s perfectly legal for the president to nominate a replacement. Obviously, the Democrats are going to oppose his choice no matter how good it might be.

The problem with the Supreme Court is that it should not be a lifetime appointment. I think a term limit of maybe 10 years would be good.

We should also have term limits on Congress.

Hylton Lawrence, Dunn

Credibility

It is frightening that in more than years Donald Trump, with the help of his Cabinet and complicit Republican senators, has damaged the credibility, efficacy and trust that we’ve had in once highly respected parts of our government — Congress, the judicial system, Justice Department, Postal Service, CDC, FDA, EPA, etc. If you prefer an authoritarian system and further erosion or destruction of our once-proud democracy, drink the Kool-Aid, swallow the lies, ignore the deaths and other damage and vote for Trump and his supine minions.

Lawrence Krabill, Wilson

Evangelical support

In Bob Woodward’s interview tapes, President Trump admits he knew from the outset that COVID-19 was deadly and easily transmitted but he intentionally downplayed it for months. And he continues to downplay it.

The U.S. now has almost 200,000 deaths due to COVID-19 in six months.

This week, Trump gave himself an “A” or “A+” for his handling of the pandemic. For those evangelical voters hell-bent to cram through Justice Ginsburg’s replacement this year, do you also give Trump an “A”? Would your grade change if those 200,000 Americans died in the womb?

Chris Cox, Raleigh

COVID response

The Brookings Institution recently determined the U.S. has been significantly behind other countries in managing the coronavirus.

Specifically, Senior Fellow Harry Holzer wrote: “Had we been as successful in each measure as the other OECD countries, nearly nine million more Americans would be employed and over 100,000 would still be alive.”

Clearly we were not successful because our president lied to Americans and did not implement the key activities that would have saved so many of us. He was obviously more interested in his election than in Americans.

Nick Gervase, Holly Springs

An RTP icon

Regarding “United Therapeutics to demolish an RTP landmark building,” (Sept. 21):

I had the pleasure of working the Elion-Hitchings Building, in the mid-’80s. While not always the most practical in terms of layout, it had the cool factor in spades.

It has been sad over the years to see this iconic structure disappear behind the overgrown trees. While I understand United Therapeutics’ position on the practicality and expense of renovation, razing this architectural gem will leave Research Triangle Park much less interesting.

I hope they reconsider and find a way to save this special building and refuse to surrender RTP to the sea of rectangular glass boxes.

Michael K. James, Raleigh