Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

The Democrats aren’t the party of inclusion — they’re just the party of delusion

On the Democrats

I have to laugh when I hear Democratic Party presidential nominee Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats say they are the party of inclusion. In fact, they are the party of delusion.

They are calling to the party like-minded reprobates who hate cops, don’t want laws to protect the citizenry and are bent on destroying democracy.

One of the Democrats’ most recent affronts to all Americans is their push for more mail-voting. What would prevent millions of people from physically going to the polls one day — and then sending in their mail ballots day or two later?

Allowing more mail-in ballots will lead to problems and if the Democrats were being honest with the American people, they would stop saying that there won’t be any issues.

Gregory Topliff, Warrenville

On the election

Whether we believe them or not, the polls show that President Donald Trump still has around a 42% approval rating — and that Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden only has a 9% to 12% edge in the national presidential polls.

In addition a recent Reuters-Ipsos revealed that only 58% of Americans disapprove of how Trump has handled the coronavirus pandemic.

These facts confirm my belief that a large percentage of the American electorate is made up of uninformed, corrupt, racist or simply wealthy entitled people who love their tax breaks — and that the vast majority of these individuals are Republicans.

This November there is absolutely only one choice to be made, and that is to vote Democratic in all races.

Our country’s future depends on us removing Trump’s mob-like-criminal administration that is destroying all of our critical government institutions.

Mike Bartholomew, Hilton Head

On Linda Bell

Difficult times call for expert knowledge and prudent decisions in order to eradicate COVID-19.

COVID-19 is one of the greatest challenges the United States has faced in its history. This global pandemic is adversely affecting our country economically, financially, psychologically and more significantly our health.

Many families have suffered the loss of loved ones due to complications from the coronavirus. Sadly, we do not have the pandemic under control.

For South Carolinians, there is no better or more trusted voice than State Epidemiologist Linda Bell with the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

She has stood firm, relying on her medical and public health training and experience to offer sound, science-based information to the citizens of our state.

Her advisories on conditions on the ground and recommendations for stopping the spread of the virus are extremely important as we combat this public health emergency

Dr. Bell’s advocacy for prevention measures that will save lives has been consistent since the announcement of the outbreak and her advice has echoed that of the established national and international experts.

Her recommendations to wear masks, avoid large crowds, practice social distancing and perform frequent handwashing are all we have without proven treatment or an effective vaccine.

However, her advisements have apparently been met with resistance. As a result, we are seeing a rise in positive cases, more deaths and an increasing impact on our health care system and citizens.

Until this public health challenge is contained, economic conditions will not return to normal. We should commend Dr. Bell for her courage and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the citizens of our state. She is the voice of wisdom for our health.

The organizations listed below represent the community at large as well as the healing professions. We would be derelict in our duties if we did not stand in support of Dr. Bell and her advocacy for the optimal health and welfare of all South Carolinians.

We call upon our elected leaders to listen to her wise recommendations.

Although our leaders have responsibility for more than just public health, economics and politics do not matter without health and life.

This letter was signed by the following organizations:

The Palmetto Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association

The Congaree Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association

The Charleston Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association

The Columbia Chapter, Association of Black Social Workers

The Kemetic Institute for Health and Human Development

The Krst Universal Temple

South Carolina Chapter, Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations

Ubuntu Institute for Community Development

South Carolina Progressive Network

The Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students

The South Carolina Organization of African Unity

The South Carolina Council for African American Studies

This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 8:46 AM.

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