University of Virginia
The resignation of University of Virginia President James E. Ryan under apparent federal pressure should trouble every Virginian, regardless of political affiliation. UVA is not simply a state school; it is a “Public Ivy,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the intellectual legacy of Thomas Jefferson. It exists to protect and advance free inquiry, not to bend to political intimidation.
A Department of Justice that inserts itself into the internal governance of a university undermines the independence that higher education requires to function. American universities have survived wars, recessions and political upheavals, but they cannot survive a government that decides which leaders are acceptable based on ideology rather than integrity.
Ryan deserved the freedom to lead without coercion. UVA deserved better than political intrusion. And Virginians deserve answers about how and why such pressure was applied.
Antoinette Kahan, Virginia Beach
Caregivers need care
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time for us to acknowledge and appreciate the extremely difficult work of caregiving. Unless you are or have been a caregiver, you most likely have no idea how taxing and stressful it is to be the primary caregiver to a loved one. It is one of the most demanding and exhausting jobs to be responsible for another person’s health and well-being, day in and day out. Add to that the additional challenges of caring for someone who has dementia or is bedbound and the job becomes even harder.
Take time now to consider who you know is a caregiver and decide what you could do to help. Call or visit and try not to just ask “what can I do to help’” but instead ask what items can you pick up at the store for them, what errand can you run, what telephone call could you make, what task could you do or when can you stop by to visit. If you feel comfortable, ask when you can keep the care receiver company so they can get out of the house for a break or set a time when you can cook a meal to take and share.
Caregivers feel isolated and often are depressed, so your time and attention can make a big difference. Listening to a caregiver is possibly the biggest gift you can give. Be kind and thoughtful to caregivers you know — they can use all the love and caring we can provide.
Nancy Allan, Virginia Beach
Make America healthy
A popular Trump administration mantra is “Make America Healthy Again.” But several of President Donald Trump’s policies will have the opposite effect.
Examples of his disregard for the nation’s well-being include sharply reducing or canceling funding for cancer, stroke and dementia research, as well as for potential life-changing work on mRNA technology; promoting polluting fossil fuels instead of renewables; appointing Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a science-denier who questions well-established medical protocols; slashing NIH and FDA staff; and weakening environmental laws. Additionally, Trump’s proposals could result in millions of Americans losing food assistance and health insurance. How do any of these square with making America healthier?
There is an obvious disconnect between slogan and policy. Here’s a thought: Just as product warning labels alert us to the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, Trump, who enjoys his hats’ bold messaging, should have a ball cap in his collection embroidered with, “Warning: President Trump, A Danger to Your Health.” As a public service, Trump should be mandated to wear this hat, alerting everyone to the risk his health care policies pose. And when that hat goes to the cleaners, Trump should be compelled to wear another obligatory ball cap, “Warning: President Trump, A Threat to Your Democracy.”
Ken Powders, Chesapeake
