Trump and the Coming Election
To the editor:
I am a retired lawyer who spent 49 years with two large firms. Real estate lawyers in both firms used to regale us with stories about Donald Trump’s antics — his extensive dealings with organized crime; his love of bringing lawsuits that never went anywhere; how, when his back was against the wall, he would declare bankruptcy and stiff lenders, suppliers, and contractors. A colorful character.
Somehow, that colorful character became president. He drew an inside straight: a win in the Electoral College while losing the popular vote by almost three million.
Many who have known Trump say that he thrives on chaos. He certainly has brought his own brand of chaos to the government.
Recent polls say that about 42 percent of likely voters have a favorable opinion of Trump’s performance. In head-to-head polls against Joe Biden, he is not that far behind. Trump could again draw an inside straight and be re-elected, even though his chances of winning the popular vote are virtually nonexistent.
What gives? Is hatred of the “other” so great in parts of our population that it overcomes any sense of decency? I get it that some support Trump because he gives them stuff, but can anyone doubt that Trump has been a disaster for the country, and that, if re-elected, Trump unbound would be a much larger disaster?
Stephen Greenberg
Wellfleet
How Lucky
To the editor:
How lucky we are to live in this wonderful community and country during this crisis, with our police, rescue squad, fire dept., and health care workers.
And the young people at Monomoy High School in Harwich, who donated $5,000 to the Cape Cod Covid-19 Response Fund and the Family Pantry of Cape Cod from their aborted class trip.
And the states that are now cooperating with one another’s medical needs. And Robert Kraft, for his humanitarian contributions. (Oh, please, don’t make me like the Patriots.)
All the while, Big Brother tweets and holds political rallies daily and so-called press briefings as the country roils in chaos.
Because of all of our great people, we will get through this.
Butch Mullaney
Provincetown
Stay-at-Home Birdwatching
To the editor:
A note in your bird sightings, that birdwatching can go on during this time of isolation, inspired me to write.
Remember Jack Snipe? The old Coot ran a café down near the shore — named it Belcher’s Gull. Seems the same bird often perched on the Spotted Rail looking for a snack.
Food was nothing special. People came for the music, especially to hear the shy Red-faced and Nashville Warblers.
When it wasn’t too windy, Jack (who wasn’t too Swift) would go outside, bandanna tied in a Red Knot covering his bald head, and fly his Mississippi Kite. Some thought him a bit of a Bufflehead.
One night Chuck — Will’s widow (Poorwill was dead) — came into the café for a Swallow or two with the Orange Bishop (out of his habit) and the Northern Cardinal. Well! That Lark gave the Wandering Tattler something to Chat about!
At closing time, when the lights began to Flicker, Jack would check the Gray Nightjar to see if the night Owls had left any tips. If not, he would Grouse, and then with his faithful dog Wagtail head on home.
With apologies (but thanks) to Roger Tory Peterson
Page Kidder
Yarmouth Port
