Democrats value families
Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance has taken a lot of flack for his “childless cat ladies” comment. Then, in an incredibly awkward attempt at damage control, Vance argued that Democrats are “anti-family.” A simple examination of the facts shows just how completely absurd Vance’s statement is. A few examples …
Gun violence is the No. 1 killer of children and teens in the United States. Yet Republicans have steadfastly refused to pass meaningful gun safety legislation. Obviously, they value NRA dollars more than American children.
If Vance and Trump are elected, they plan to discontinue or defund Medicare, SNAP, HeadStart, CHIP (children’s health insurance program), low-income tax credits, and other federal programs that benefit lower-income families.
Thanks to Republicans, we are the only advanced nation that does not have universal health care or universal child care. If Republicans are elected, they plan to abolish the Affordable Care Act which would take health insurance away from more than 40 million Americans.
Republicans plan to abolish the Department of Education and transfer funds from public schools to private and charter schools. They also plan to discontinue many college loan programs. Apparently Republicans believe only children from more affluent families deserve a decent education.
Thanks to Republicans, the U.S. minimum wage has not increased from $7.25 per hour since 2009. This makes it very difficult for many low-income families to survive, never mind getting ahead.
Republicans claim to be the party of “family values” but their policies are blatantly anti-child and anti-family. If you value American children and families, vote Democratic in November.
— Peter Birschbach, Port Royal
The ‘good old days’
Wouldn’t it be interesting if we could all go back to the “good old days?”
I’m a native Beaufortonian, graduated from Beaufort Elementary School (now the Beaufort Arts Center) and Beaufort High School (on Bay Street), Class of 1955.
I can remember when gasoline and foods like sugar, coffee, meat, canned milk, etc., were rationed to support our troops and the World War II war effort. Each family member had coupons for a small amount of these items. We were Americans first, last and always. We did what needed to be done to support our troops and gladly sacrificed whatever it took because it was our honor and duty as blessed Americans.
I remember, in school, each home room had an American flag. We started each school day pledging allegiance to that flag:
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” (“under God” was added in 1954.)
It should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform.
Wouldn’t it be nice, if both political parties (and audiences) started their campaign stops by pledging their allegiance to our flag and to the Republic for which it stands? And, by golly, maybe even singing The national anthem would be nice — before bringing on the celebrities and popular singers whose lyrics are sometimes incoherent — at least to some of us geriatrics.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
— June Parker Andrade, Port Royal
