OTHER VOICES
Independent voters
The article in Sunday’s paper titled “They’re both terrible” was misleading and irresponsible (The Capital, Sept. 20). With 43 days to the presidential election, this is not the time to promote cynicism.
We are fighting to protect our democracy, and running headlines based on one person’s opinion, which I believe discourages voters from participating in the process, is not theway to go.
Also, the headline was not representative of the full content of the article. That quote, which refers to President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, came from only one of the unaffiliated voters interviewed, and she stated she is voting for the libertarian candidate!
Although at some point theymay have been conflicted, the other unaffiliated voters in this article were very clear on the issues that mattered to them. Their comments included caring about education, gun violence, voter protection, and the treatment of migrants. All issues Trump has failed on.
To say that Iamdisappointedwould be an understatement. Journalists should be aware of the role they play in the media. I expect responsible reporting from my local newspaper. This articlewas not it. LATICIA HICKS
Crofton
MitchMcConnell
What news outlets have on which to trade is not just information, but credibility. Credibility, like a good reputation, is earned. Inconsistencies, omissions, and disinformation undermine both.
The Capital “Our Say” commentary claims that SenateMajority Leader Mitch McConnell would destroy the reputation and perhaps the legitimacy of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Supreme Court by exercising his constitutional authority to hold a vote to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (The Capital, Sept. 20). But I don’t recall the Capital fretting about SenateMajority LeaderHarryReid eliminating the filibuster for appellate court nominees under Prudent Barack
Obama.
I have yet to see any mention of the Democrats’ proposed intention to pack the Supreme Court if Joe Biden is elected president. Also missing is the Democrats’ proposal to create two new states from the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico — two Democrat strongholds. Rescission of D.C. to Maryland is not even up for discussion although thatwould provide a remedy for “taxation without representation.” The reasoning of course is that if it doesn’t increase Democratic control it is not worth doing. I contrast the coverage of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings with its theatrics (which The Capital all but applauded) and the coverage of claims the Biden sexually harassed Tara Reade. Christine Blasey Ford made unsubstantiated claims, unsupported by any of her friends, whereas Tara Reade has contemporary substantiation.
The editorial staff at the Capital Gazette is entitled to the opinions and prejudices, but unprincipled inconsistencies erode your integrity. I will continue to read The Capital for local news, local sports results, and “Annapolis doings,” but your national news coverage and editorials are to be taken with a grain of salt.
PETER TUTINI Annapolis
Reopening schools
Trying to take power away from a politician is like fighting a dog with a chew toy but in the case of Anne Arundel County and its governance over public schools it should be considered. Data available from Johns Hopkins among others allow officials to see which ZIP codes and even school districts could facilitate safe reopenings and distinguish between elementary, middle and high school students. Given the granularity of the data available, why are officials knowingly ignoring widely available information that could open numerous schools around the county safely for teachers and students?
In the age of COVID-19 our officials need to recognize that not all parts of the county, established in 1650, have been affected the same and there are differences in returning by area and between elementary, middle, and high school age students should be made by individual schools based on local data.
PAULL. WESTCOTT
Annapolis