Politics
The current television ad sponsored by the Republican candidate, Mike Lamonea, in House District 89 is problematic for a number of reasons. In it Lamonea highlights his 20-plus years of experience in law enforcement while failing to mention that it was as a special agent for ICE. This is apparently a fact that he would rather not talk about. His reluctance is understandable given that the majority of Americans disapprove of the handling of deportations by the administration and ICE.
Additionally, in the video, Lamonea does in the same breath associate violent criminals with transgender women. He talks about “men” while the video is showing girls youth sports. Does he really think that transgender adult women are participating in youth sports? Is this an example of the misinformation that he would bring to the General Assembly?
The larger question is whether Lamonea is so extreme as to believe that transgender adults are so dangerous as a group that they should have their Second Amendment rights abridged without due process? Members of this group have been able to serve in the military and as first responders but many on the far right don’t feel that they should be able to own a firearm for self defense. The NRA has taken a position opposed to such a ban, but who knows where candidate Lamonea stands.
Tom Banford, Chesapeake
Peace
Recent days have been very emotional and difficult in the United States. We remembered Sept. 11 and the terrible loss of life. Now we have school shootings, church shootings, political assassinations, wars, hostages, victims, revenge and hatred of others. We must find a way to change this.
Like the song says, “Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.” We can all make a difference if we try. Do not let the news of the day keep us from working for peace, and don’t become numb to violence, oppression and injustice. We should be kind to those who disagree with us, and talk about our differences. Tell our leaders to stop the hateful rhetoric, and work for peace. We must all try to make this world a better place.
David M. Grochmal, Virginia Beach
Safe gun use
I want safety in firearm possession and use. That is something Del. Chad Green, in Virginia’s 69th District, disagrees with. Green has voted against all gun safety proposals, including HB1597, which requested “secure storage of firearms” to protect children. Green also voted that people should be able to carry semi-automatic weapons in public, in SB880. His gun voting record is consistent, against safety in firearms.
My vote this fall will be going to Dr. Mark Downey, Green’s opponent in the Virginia’s 69th District, who believes in the Second Amendment, but also believes in gun safety, particularly as it impacts children.
Nancy Terrell, Williamsburg
Trump
A physician friend recently asked me why I hate President Donald Trump. I do not hate Trump — I simply have zero respect for him.
My military training taught me four key principles: duty, honor, country and, most importantly, integrity, which is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Warren Buffet looked for three qualities when hiring someone: integrity, intelligence and energy. “Without the first, the other two will kill you. Without integrity, you really want them dumb and lazy.”
It is extremely hard to identify strong moral principles and honesty in our federal government today. Members of Congress are so afraid of a revengeful POTUS that they seem incapable of embracing those principles and, obviously, are left without integrity.
Jack McNamara, Virginia Beach
