O’Reilly should fact-check ‘slave labor’ claim further

Thanks to Fox News host Bill O’Reilly for fact-checking Michelle Obama’s statement that she wakes up every day in a house that was built by slaves.

O’Reilly acknowledges that slaves did participate in the construction. However, he is quick to add that they were well-fed and had decent lodging.

I think it would be very interesting for Mr. O’Reilly to spend a week in a replica of these slave quarters, eating the same food and doing the same daily work. Then he can report back firsthand on his experience. Perhaps his friend Roger Ailes can join him. I understand he’s got some time on his hands.

— Phoenix

Praise of Melania Trump should not focus solely on her looks

Mr. Simonson’s July 25 opinion of Steve Benson’s Melania Trump cartoon stated that she was “a beautiful lady who gave a beautiful speech.”

Let me ask Mr. Simonson this: Would it have made any difference if Mrs. Trump was NOT beautiful? If she were more of a plain Jane?

I’m so tired of men viewing what a woman says based on how she looks. If the woman is beautiful, I guess she can say whatever she wants. I’d guarantee you that if Mrs. Trump was NOT a beautiful woman, her speech would have received even more criticism.

— Mesa

Claim of mudslinging of Trump by Clinton is simply outrageous

I see the name James P. Giangobbe in your Opinions column quite often. Is this because you agree with his insulting, outrageous statements, or are you hoping someone will stand up to him?

I refer to the July 26 letter (“Hillary Clinton spending too much on mudslinging”). His opening statement that Hillary Clinton had engaged in mudslinging against Donald Trump is the most outrageous statement I have ever heard. Trump consistently calls Clinton “Crooked Hillary” on national television, and then there was the “Lock her up” chant at the Republican convention.

This apparently isn’t mudslinging, as both Trump and Giangobbe obviously subscribe to the Republican mantra that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it.

Giangobbe then states that Trump elucidates our national problems, and promises to work on them. Has he EVER come up with a plan to solve any of these so-called problems? Trump is an inciter and would have been the leader of the lynch mobs in the Old West.

The idea that he would have the IRS at his disposal is a chilling possibility. If you think we have problems now, then by all means, vote for Trump.

— Chandler

Why can’t Republican Party emulate diversity of the DNC?

Envy, there’s no other way to put it. As a Republican observing the Democratic convention, I confess to asking myself, why don’t our events look more like theirs? That is, a more generous mix of colors, ethnicities and ages that celebrates America.

The Republican Party offers freedom not smothered by political correctness, expanded prosperity based on creativity instead of condescending, debilitating handouts and, most importantly, respect for individuality. It’s your week Democrats, enjoy.

— Sedona

On your next hike, give thanks to a Phoenix park ranger

The Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council extends our appreciation to the City of Phoenix and the Department of Parks and Recreation for posting heat-related warnings at all major trailheads and for stationing park rangers there during the hot summer months. Although they are understaffed and under budget, we are proud of what they do.

This boots-on-the-ground approach is a testament to the department’s goal of creating a safe and enjoyable experience for Valley hikers. We would also like to thank The Arizona Republic for their recent warnings about the hazards of summertime hiking in the Valley.

Almost daily, we wake up to heartbreaking stories of hikers who have succumbed to the summer heat. These public service announcements have undoubtedly saved lives. On our next hike through the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, let’s thank a ranger.

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A few choice words could sum up the Rev. Jarrett Maupin

In your article on the Rev. Jarrett Maupin you could have saved a lot of space by summarizing him with just a few words: Felon, liar, egotist, gasbag, sham. — Phoenix Tempe