US cannot shrink its way to ‘great again’

To be great again, fix world relationships

Watching our country retrench from our global leadership role is troubling, but seeing us bully our allies is even worse than the ill-conceived tariffs we are placing upon them.

We are damaging relationships that make the world a more secure place through mutual commerce and respect. Plus, we withdrew from a human rights role at the United Nations after dropping out of the Paris climate accord, both of which are important global initiatives.

The downside of labor unions

Several years ago I was in the Nabisco plant outside Richmond, Va. While waiting for my meeting, I stood next to a bulletin board that contained several interoffice memos. I still remember one; it read: “The company is holding a meeting to discuss ways to increase efficiency and improve productivity. We cannot prevent you from attending, but DO NOT participate. Do not do or say anything that will help the company improve productivity.”

It was from the local union.

Gowdy forgets how long Whitewater took

When Rep. Trey Gowdy said it was time to wrap up the Russia investigation because it has gone on too long, he seemed to have conveniently forgotten that the Whitewater and Iran-Contra investigations each lasted over five years.

Special counsel investigations are complex and take a long time.

Let go of that grudge against Trump

I am a 94-year-old man and over the years I have read much political information – most of it slanted toward liberal big government.

I like to read differing opinions, but now writers are simply showing that they hold a deep hatred for President Donald Trump.

It doesn’t matter that our economy is doing well and unemployment is low, some writers promote the idea that he should be impeached. Simply hate.

The writers should remember that holding a grudge is self-defeating.

Trump’s wrong about immigrants, crime

Just last week a man stabbed innocent refugee children at a child’s birthday party in Boise, Idaho. The attacker was not an immigrant. How does Trump’s statement above make sense?

Richardson statue is least of my worries

How hypocritical of those who call for the removal of Jerry Richardson’s statute because of his racist and harassment behavior, but do not speak out about the removal of the statues that stand for hatred and discrimination against a whole culture of African-Americans.

We receive no help from the white culture in this instance because they seem to have an “it does not affect me” mentality.

I choose to believe that we are all God’s creatures with unalienable rights. Hate and “ugly” have no place in today’s society. Until all people are free in their God-given humanity, no one is free in their humanity.

I will miss Bailey’s insight, courage

I was very sad to see that Issac Bailey’s June 25 column was his last. (“What you won - and lost - with Trump,” June 25 Opinion)

His words were always insightful and courageous.

I hope he will continue to contribute to the Observer and our community. With vigor.