YOUR VIEWS
Uplifting story
“Switch on the lights” (Business, Dec. 30), related to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the Oklahoma Energy Trails Foundation and their work in Guatemala, was wonderfully uplifting — particularly in our present period of divisiveness. I was touched by the expressive writing that gave me a positive, uplifting feeling regarding our U.S. employees who were feeling appreciated by the population they were helping. It was a joy to read good news.
Patricia Capra, Oklahoma City
Third-rate status
Donald Trump needs to change his motto from MAGA to something more accurate such as MATR (Make America Third Rate). Our nation is rapidly descending on a path that will take us from prosperity and the economic leadership of the world to irrelevance. Trump’s trade wars will open a window for China to dominate world trade. Ignoring global warming will cost us trillions as rising sea levels and stronger and more frequent storms devastate coastal cities. As the world, and China in particular, shift their economies to more renewable energy sources, American goods will become clunky and expensive. Abandoning allies, such as Trump just did with the Kurds, who have been fighting and dying for us in Syria, leaves us isolated. Even long-term friend Israel is feeling abandoned.
The uncertainty of foreign policy done by
Twitter destroys alliances created over decades. The chaotic economic policies announced by everchanging tweets causes investors to back away, with disastrous results for stock values. Shutting down the government in a temper tantrum over not getting $5 billion to waste on an ineffective “border wall” further hurts the economy, government workers and workers in businesses that have faithfully served government.
As we sink into being a third-rate nation, I hope people will remember that our nation was destroyed by Trump with the slavish acquiescence of the Republican Party.
Robert E. Hurst, Oklahoma City
Thankful to have made the cut
Regarding “The Oklahoman to trim home delivery circulation area Jan. 1” (News, Dec. 27): I am so happy that my area was not on the hit list because I enjoy so much receiving and reading a paper copy every day. The articles and stories are great, and I always try to sharpen my wit by doing the crossword puzzles. We also have an excellent delivery carrier you can always count on. I understand about operating costs and having to “trim” in places to stay afloat. However, if my paper copy were to go away, I’m afraid I would have to drop my subscription because I am not a digital reader kind of person.
Scott K. Brush, Choctaw
Grammar check
“They said it: The most memorable quotes of 2018” (News, Dec. 31) included a photo of a striking teacher carrying a sign that read, “All my EX’s live in Texas Don’t make me go back!” I can’t decide if I should be amused or upset. An Oklahoma educator is asking for higher pay, while carrying a sign bearing a grammatical error. Apostrophe-s is used to form the possessive of nouns and pronouns. Assuming the teacher meant reference to prior significant others, the plural of “ex” is “exes.”
Connie Rocha, Oklahoma City
Shaping the news
How many times have you read this statement in an Associated Press story: “According to an aide who was not authorized to discuss the plan and spoke on condition of anonymity,” or something similar? When the AP uses this source for a story, it is their way of shaping the news. Read “Dems have plan to reopen govt” (Associated Press, Jan. 1). If you want to say something provocative that will motivate a particular group of people and you don’t want to have to take responsibility for your words, just use the “spoke on condition of anonymity” ploy, you get your fake news out, and you never have to defend what you’ve said. Beautiful. Just like this letter to the editor, The Oklahoman would not print it if I refused to attach my name to it.
Steve Monroe, Oklahoma City