Scary lessons

Dear Editor,

Many thanks to Josh Cotton for his timely article on the 77th anniversary of the atomic booming of Hiroshima. It was chilling to read that some considered the bomb to be one of the greatest scientific advances in history.

Seventy-seven years later we live under the threat of nuclear annihilation. It is estimated that the nine nuclear nations have a combined 13,000 nuclear warheads in their arsenals. Experts agree that the only reason we haven’t experienced a nuclear explosion is luck. Luck can change. We the people need a grassroots groundswell of opposition to nuclear weapons.

The billions of dollars spent on these suicidal weapons are a theft from society.

The idea of wasting resources on weapons that can’t be used, without initiating a suicidal conflagration, is the stuff of a Greek tragedy.

The elimination of nuclear weapons is a quintessential pro-life issue. The International Campaign to Eliminate Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) has declared nuclear weapons illegal. The Church has declared their possession immoral and sinful. The onus is on us. For the sake of our children and grandchildren we must speak out. Encourage our elected representatives, our pastors, our business leaders to have the courage to address this most dangerous existential issue.

Neil Himber,

Youngsville

Ballot beffudler

Dear Editor,

What was he thinking?

Nothing has appeared recently in the Times Observer or from the individual himself about our local phony baloney ballot individual and why his name was on the 2020 Presidential phony baloney ballot.

In the July 1 article placed on the far right column, it stated “he declined comment” as to why his signature was on the ballot that went to Washington, D. C., to cause confusion and serve as a pretext for Trump to over ride the real electoral vote.

What was he thinking? Why would one sign such a document?

Was the desire to be part of the action overwhelming? The article included a photo of him attending Trump’s inauguration – pretty heady stuff, rubbing elbows with Roger Stone, Rudy Giuliani, Steve Bannon, etc. College freshmen undergo hazing to join the fraternity.

He, in a previous Times Observer statement, cited the “need to shake things up in Washington.” Did he think moving from representative democracy to autocracy – undermining elections and the Constitution were the way to “shake things up?” Did he not know the implications of what was underway? The ramifications such actions would have? Was this a case of gross ignorance?

Did he feel “pressure?” It takes conviction and courage to withstand peer pressure. Pressure over principle is mob mentality. Leadership requires courage. Was this a case of lack of courage – poor leadership –knowing better but lacking the fortitude to say “no, this is wrong.”

The contrast between Warren’s late U.S. Rep. William Clinger, who served 1979 – 1997, with the phony baloney individual is stark. Clinger publicly said in 2016 “Trump was manifestly unqualified to be president.” He twice embraced Trump and may still.

Both, Clinger and he, during their time, were the personification of Warren County’s GOP. He is Warren’s current highest ranking Republican.

Clinger was a notable principled, conservative Republican. Clinger’s 18 years of effective legislative effort is worthy of a Historical Marker. Clinger made Warren proud. Being an enabler of Trump’s infamy was shameful, whatever the reason.

Don Scott,

North Warren