The Democrats aren’t the party of inclusion — they’re just the party of delusion

On the Democrats

I have to laugh when I hear Democratic Party presidential nominee Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats say they are the party of inclusion.

In fact, they are the party of delusion.

They are calling to the party like-minded reprobates who hate cops, don’t want laws to protect the citizenry and are bent on destroying democracy.

One of the Democrats’ most recent affronts to all Americans is their push for more mail-voting. What would prevent millions of people from physically going to the polls one day — and then sending in their mail ballots day or two later?

Allowing more mail-in ballots will lead to problems and if the Democrats were being honest with the American people, they would stop saying that there won’t be any issues.

Gregory Topliff, Warrenville

On voting

As I watch President Donald Trump’s administration launch a war on voting, I wonder if it realizes that Republicans vote, too.

That means that when this administration slows down the mail service, it is also keeping Republicans from voting by mail — and the same is true for removing mailboxes and drop boxes.

How many people won’t be able to get their medical prescriptions and other supplies delivered to them by the postal service?

I’m sure that voters in all political parties are going to be hurt by these actions.

Trump will go down in history as the president who tried to keep Americans, including those who support the Republicans, from being able to vote.

He must be afraid of losing the popular vote — again.

Elizabeth Jones, Columbia

On Linda Bell

Difficult times call for expert knowledge and prudent decisions in order to eradicate COVID-19.

COVID-19 is one of the greatest challenges the United States has faced in its history. This global pandemic is adversely affecting our country economically, financially, psychologically and more significantly our health.

Many families have suffered the loss of loved ones due to complications from the coronavirus. Sadly, we do not have the pandemic under control.

For South Carolinians, there is no better or more trusted voice than State Epidemiologist Linda Bell with the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

She has stood firm, relying on her medical and public health training and experience to offer sound, science-based information to the citizens of our state.

Her advisories on conditions on the ground and recommendations for stopping the spread of the virus are extremely important as we combat this public health emergency

Dr. Bell’s advocacy for prevention measures that will save lives has been consistent since the announcement of the outbreak and her advice has echoed that of the established national and international experts.

Her recommendations to wear masks, avoid large crowds, practice social distancing and perform frequent handwashing are all we have without proven treatment or an effective vaccine.

However, her advisements have apparently been met with resistance. As a result, we are seeing a rise in positive cases, more deaths and an increasing impact on our health care system and citizens.

Until this public health challenge is contained, economic conditions will not return to normal. We should commend Dr. Bell for her courage and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the citizens of our state. She is the voice of wisdom for our health.

The organizations listed below represent the community at large as well as the healing professions. We would be derelict in our duties if we did not stand in support of Dr. Bell and her advocacy for the optimal health and welfare of all South Carolinians.

We call upon our elected leaders to listen to her wise recommendations.

Although our leaders have responsibility for more than just public health, economics and politics do not matter without health and life.

This letter was signed by the following organizations:

▪ The Palmetto Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association

▪ The Congaree Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association

▪ The Charleston Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association

▪ The Columbia Chapter, Association of Black Social Workers

▪ The Kemetic Institute for Health and Human Development

▪ The Krst Universal Temple

▪ South Carolina Chapter, Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations

▪ Ubuntu Institute for Community Development

▪ South Carolina Progressive Network

▪ The Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students

▪ The South Carolina Organization of African Unity

▪ The South Carolina Council for African American Studies