WS Chronicle

Trump should follow Clinton’s example of steadiness

To the Editor:

Days ago, our country suffered the worst mass shooting in our history, when 49 of our brothers and sisters were tragically taken in an horrific act of terrorism.  As Hillary Clinton said yesterday [Monday, June 13], “this is a moment when all Americans need to stand together’ and when Americans from across party lines should rally in common purpose to serve our country and keep us safe.”  She also laid out a strong and detailed plan to take-on and defeat ISIS and the terrorists who seek to do us harm, both at home and abroad.

In contrast to Hillary Clinton’s steady, smart approach, Donald Trump responded with the same divisive, anti-Muslim rhetoric that shows he’s temperamentally unfit to be commander in chief. Whether it was doubling down on his proposed Muslim-ban or accusing President Obama of ISIS sympathies, Donald Trump’s unhinged rhetoric won’t make anyone safer and will instead divide our country further.

This is no time for anyone, let alone someone seeking the highest office in the land, to exploit a terrorist attack on our homeland for a political campaign.

… Donald Trump should follow Hillary Clinton’s example, and work to bring people together – not tear the American people apart by condemning the rich diversity that has made the United States the greatest country in the world.

U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)

Washington, D.C.

Elections board should consider WSSU students when choosing places to vote

To the Editor:

Lately, there has been a great deal of frustration over the proposed early voting plans for Forsyth county in November.

Last week, we discussed with the Board of Elections about how important it is to create equitable access to polling places come this fall. Specifically we urged them to think of college students in the county and their access to polling sites.

Many proposed plans disregard Winston-Salem State University but not Wake Forest, UNCSA, and Salem College. As Wake Forest students, we have the privilege to be able to walk to our location, and WSSU students deserve this as well.

There are several locations that would offer easier access, and we hope the Board thoroughly considers these other locations for the sake of WSSU students.

David Ajamy and Zachary Bynum

Democracy NC Interns Winston-Salem

Coalition condemns Orlando massacre

To the Editor:

The American Coalition For Good Government (ACGG) vehemently condemns the uncivilized, inhuman acts which resulted in 49 people killed and 53 injured in Orlando, Florida.

The person responsible was pre-vented from killing other innocent people by the police department returning fire on him.

There is no justification for taking innocent life. There is no religious rationale for this behavior in a civilized society. We extend prayers and condolences to the innocent and their families in Orlando, Florida.

Historically, when the advocates for human progress stand up collectively, that force crushes attempts to dehumanize society back into tribal conflicts and savage behavior. Our greatest good is achieved when we recognize and promote our human essence.

ACGG encourages all citizens to work collectively to deny these acts of inhumanity to define our common humanity.

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all mankind are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights … that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Fleming El-Amin Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator

ACGG, Winston-Salem

Trump’s view on health care for women is regressive

To the Editor:

This letter was prompted by the announcement of Trump’s campaign stop in Greensboro on June 14.  As an advocate of accessible, consistent, professional health care for women, I felt the need to remind readers of The Chronicle of Trump’s positions on Planned Parenthood and of Governor McCrory’s endorsement of his candidacy.

Candidate Trump’s views on women’s health care are essentially in agreement with the regressive, discriminatory stance of the GOP.  In lockstep with his political party, Trump promises to ban access to safe, legal abortion unless the mother’s life is threatened.  He also promises to nominate “pro-life” justices to the U.S. Supreme Court and will suspend all insurance coverage of birth control in keeping with the Hobby Lobby decision.

In true Trump form, he asserts he will repeal the Affordable Care Act on his first day in office.  Of course, in a Trump administration, Planned Parenthood will be defunded as would be expected.

There is little surprise in his pronouncements if he is to be a candidate for the GOP, and these pronouncements are consistent with his misogynistic disregard for women.  Planned Parenthood has been forced to fight against unfounded attacks, slanderous claims, and fundamentalist ideology unlike any organization in my memory.  In spite of the barrage of criticism, it has survived.  The survival is due to the importance of its mis-sion and the dedication of those who realize our country would suffer grave consequences if it ceased to exist.  I am proud to be an advocate of Planned Parenthood.

Anne Griffis Wilson

Winston-Salem