2 days Ago
MeaslesRe “Officials say Texas child dies of measles, 1st in US since ’15′′ (A6, Feb. 27): I grieve for this family. Measles is preventable.
I urge parents to follow the CDC’s recommended schedule for vaccinations. The increase in vaccine hesitancy increases the risk for all of us and is costly to taxpayers. The Texas Tribune reported that responding to their 2019 measles outbreak cost $2.
3 million. To promote herd immunity and save taxpayer dollars, we need as many people as possible to be immunized, and this extends beyond the U.S.
Unfortunately, not everyone around the world has access to lifesaving vaccines. Without U.S.
support for global vaccine programs, low-income countries have limited supply. By supporting global vaccine programs, the U.S.
contributes to controlling the spread of disease and helps to protect us all here at home. I encourage you to contact Sens. Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and U.
S. Rep. Jen Kiggans.
Janice Hawkins, ChesapeakeHoward GwynnRe “Newport News’ top prosecutor facing opponent for the first time in 35 years” (A1, Feb. 16): After reading your recent article, I would like to comment on my association with Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn during my career with the Virginia State Police and as chief of Police in Newport News in the mid-90s.During this tenure, I valued his support of the police department, which always provided sound advice and guidance.
His view of law enforcement’s mission to the people of Newport News has always been balanced with the safety of the residents and proper regard for the law. Howard is among the best; I was very proud to have served with him. The people of Newport News are very fortunate to have had his service over the years.
William Corvello, WilliamsburgSAVE ActVoting is one of the precious rights we citizens have under our Constitution. So, why do Republicans keep trying to throw up roadblocks in order to restrict that right? Despite their widespread claims of massive voter fraud, state election boards have proven that fraud is counted in single digits out of the millions of votes cast in any given election.Congressional Republicans have resurrected a House bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, to require proof of citizenship — in person — when registering to vote and even when updating information such as a change of address.
Passports and birth certificates are accepted evidence. It sounds reasonable, but how many of us could quickly put our hands on our birth certificate? It took me two months to get a replacement. How many married women have a birth certificate that doesn’t match their legal name? There still are some people who don’t have birth certificates because they were born at home.
These proposed requirements would eliminate registration by mail and voter registration drives, greatly slowing down the work of our state and local election boards and disenfranchising many citizens. When we register to vote, we swear that we are citizens. If that isn’t good enough for Congressional Republicans, are they suggesting that millions of us are liars?Deborah Wyld, SmithfieldAmerican valuesI was genuinely impressed with the display of traditional American values in the White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Strength, integrity, commitment to principle and courage. Unfortunately the only person reflecting these principles was Zelenskyy.The behavior of the current U.
S. president and vice president was deplorable and diminished the image of the United States on the world stage. The current president’s allegiance with Russian President Vladimir Putin was blatantly obvious.
I have just ordered a Ukrainian national flag to show my support. The flag will hang above my front door, where I previously displayed the Stars and Stripes. Proud to be an American? Not so much.
Julian F. Facenda, NorfolkSign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletter.
