Speak Out 8/25/15

Maternity requirement

Perhaps not surprisingly, the U.S. is the only major country in the world not providing paid maternity leave for new mothers.

GOP nightmare

Initially, immigration was probably a winning issue for Republican presidential aspirants. Donald Trump has turned it into a nightmare beyond that on Elm Street.

Raise premiums

If you really believe (I'm not holding my breath) Republican candidates for the presidency like Scott Walker will see to it that Obamacare will be repealed and replaced, then go ahead and vote for one of them. However, be forewarned that the implementation of plans like Walker's will reduce by millions the historic expansion in the number of those insured and will most certainly lead to increased premiums for older citizens.

Sickening support

Even though Donald Trump favors federal funding for Planned Parenthood, is opposed to free trade and supports increased taxes on the wealthy, many otherwise influential conservatives (including Republican presidential candidates) continue to spew "me too" support for The Donald or patronize him in ways that are, frankly, sickening.

Under God

Why do people think we're moving away from God? "In God We Trust" wasn't a thing in our country until the Red Scare and was nowhere to be found until 1956. "One Nation Under God" wasn't part of the pledge until 1954. This country is becoming more and more religious, and that's not what the founding fathers wanted. This blurring of the separation of church and state is the root of many of this country's problems.

1600 Donald Ave.

If Donald Trump gets elected president, then the government better get ready to build a bigger White House. The one we've got can't begin to hold his ego.

Bowen spot on

Dr. Wayne Bowen's column concerning banning the box that indicates on an application that a person is a felon is excellent, thought-provoking and has a lot of truth in there. It has happened to people I've known, where the spouse has suffered for a minor felony, if there is such a thing. It is true, true, true. Thank you, Dr. Bowen.

Willow woes

I've been reading the articles on mowing issues. Well, this is an issue too. A neighbor keeps cutting my other neighbor's willow tree. Instead of him throwing it away, he puts it over the fence in their yard. This couple is elderly, and he should not be doing this. This is not being a good neighbor. If he wants to help them, he should cut it and throw it away, not throw it over the fence.

Photo ID

Your, lengthy editorial endorsing young Ashcroft's call for a photo I.D. was to me yet another sad attempt to rationalize voter suppression.