1 day Ago
ListeningI would like to thank Hampton’s Mayor Jimmy Gray for holding community listening sessions.I attended one and was impressed. It was very casual and anyone could ask questions on any subject.
I have lived in several places in my life and I don’t ever remember a mayor having meetings where anyone could ask questions and have a discussion on a topic. It was not rushed.The next “Your Say with Mayor Gray” event is from 6-7:30 p.
m. Wednesday at Aberdeen Elementary School. I encourage you to attend.
I hope Mayor Gray continues to have more of these in the future.Neva Beierle, HamptonSecurity leakIt came as no surprise to hear about the recent security leak. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were unqualified for their positions.
Gabbard now has a memory failure and Hegseth is blaming the journalist. No one is taking responsibility, which also is no surprise. Both of them should be relieved of their positions.
Gloria L. Ross, Virginia BeachCountry firstAs I watched images showing many protesters gathered on our nation’s streets, I could not help wondering how many of them were President Donald Trump supporters feeling responsible for what they have unleashed upon our nation and world, as well as our futures. To them I would say, it does not matter what motivated you then.
You can still use your voice to join others who will put country over party, to protect the rights and aspirations we cherish as a common bond.My fear is that this period of shock and disbelief will pass too soon, sinking us into the pit of passive acceptance of an altered reality. But small actions can collectively make a big difference.
Those who have never been joiners can quietly contribute to organizations fighting to protect our rights. We can contact our political representatives. Demand and attend town hall meetings (but be polite).
Get out our poster boards and markers to craft signs we can proudly wave at public gatherings. Volunteer for candidates dedicated to protecting our long-held rights and benefits. Write letters to the editor.
Register and vote. And for the brave of heart, run for office.Above all, we must maintain the energy of ongoing outrage.
Patricia L. Hopkins, ChesapeakeTyrannyAs we now exist, our everyday life may be approaching a watershed moment dominated by President Donald Trump’s open contempt for anyone not swearing allegiance — not hewing to his beliefs. Many of his cabinet appointees exhibit epic levels of ignorance witnessed by their daily drivel.
These noxious people eagerly show contempt for common courtesy and respect.On the other side of the aisle is the Democratic Party presently in a beleaguered condition and needs to face facts and avoid moralizing. This crisis also has a positive effect: Witness the rallies when citizens question their representatives in town halls.
All of this happening in spite of, I repeat, in spite of the Republican speaker of the House admonishing his party members to avoid these events as they are manipulated by “radicals and outsiders.” This is dishonest nonsense that serves to undermine faith in our democracy.James Madison in the Federalist Papers No.
47 wrote: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary in the same hands ...
may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”We are inching close to that situation.The burdens of our political system are increasing but the benefits still outweigh any other type of government.
We should not have to compromise our values and lose the American spirit as a result.Marc Katz, NorfolkSign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletter.
