Letters: ‘Welcome’ sign is ‘welcoming’ but more can be done – StarNewsOnline.com

EDITOR: In regards to Wilmington adding “America’s First WWII Heritage City” to our “Welcome to Wilmington” signs, (StarNews, 1/18/21) .

I believe more needs to be done than just a slogan and a battleship to be able to live up to its new status. I suggest adding a living aviation museum at ILM with a recreated WWII hanger featuring both static and flyable aircraft.  An armour museum where peoplecan see, up close, the vehicles that helped to win the war.  And lastly, a working USO (open to the public)  canteen, in concert with the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area serving free hot coffee and donuts to current military personnel. 

There is, in my opinion, much that can be done so that Wilmington can truly live up to it new title.

Gary Quilliam, Bolivia

More:Wilmington considers options to promote WWII Heritage City designation

What values do conservatives support?

EDITOR: A recent letter bemoaned the damage conservatives have taken as a result of recent events; the writer listed the virtues conservatives hold dear including hard work, truth, fairness and equality among others.  The writer states that conservatives have allowed their opponents to maneuver them to where their views have become regarded as hate speech.

I agree that many true conservatives hold the values stated but they have not been maneuvered into anything by their opponents; they chose to link their fate to an obviously flawed man in Donald Trump who never hid who and what he was, it was all there to see from day one.

When there are white supremacists, Neo Nazis, crazy conspiracy theorists and other extremists sitting with you at rallies it should make you question why you are there if you do not support those things. Evidently the man you are cheering and voting for is offering something those people like and even if some of his rhetoric seems consistent with your stated values there must be plenty that is not.

A little introspection just might be in order for some who think they are true conservatives but accepted rhetoric that has nothing to do with true conservatism.

 Steven Donatone, Hampstead

Please, use turn signal

EDITOR: Trust me on this. Your gas mileage will not decrease by using your turn signal. I know it takes great effort and energy to move the “stick” on the left of the steering column, but give it a try. And just because you are headed for the turn lane, that does not excuse you from signaling.

Patti Fishel, Southport

Donald Trump lied

EDITOR: It is amazing that so many elected Republicans who should know better believed and still believe Donald Trump’s massive lies that he won the elections, there was massive fraud and Joe Biden is an illegitimate President.

The courts threw out more than 60 suits from President Trump or his allies. The Attorney General Barr, an ally of Trump has declared that no irregularities or fraud were detected in the national elections. Republican election officials in the disputed States like Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona and Wisconsin verified that the elections were fair with no evidence of fraud. Still these elected officials ignored the facts and claimed the elections were stolen from Trump.

Even after the Capitol breach by Trump followers a total of 147 Republican congressmen and senators voted against Biden’s confirmation by the Electoral College.  It is a shame that the party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan has become the party that believes in lies in order not upset its leader Donald Trump. One of them is our representative David Rouzer who voted against confirming Biden’s victory.

USA needs two strong and ethical parties to preserve its Democratic nature. Let’s hope the Republican Party will find its soul and come back to defend its conservative principles.

Andy Logothetis, Wilmington

Y’all there’s no ‘Southern language’

EDITOR: It seems to me that there are some people “madder than a wet hen” about my observations about Celia Rivenbark’s language prowess. Bless Your Heart!

 All y’all need to stop pitching a hissy fit. I am also a “proud southerner.” I now have a hankerin to purchase a Southern Dictionary, but can not find one. I reckon y’all will be able to help me.

Celia’s attempt at “humor” making fun of Melania Trump’s accent eludes me. As for  there being a “Southern language”, fuhgeddaboudit!

Steve Risley, Wilmington

Truth and fiction

EDITOR: A recent survey showed that a large majority of Republicans believed Trump’s self-serving lie that the election was rigged. This is a failure of society.

We have created a large number of citizens that are unwilling or unable to tell the difference between the truth and fiction, good and bad. We have failed these people. Who is to blame?

We can lay the blame at the feet of two hallowed American institutions, the church and the public school system. There is a strain of religion running through America that teaches that faith is a virtue, reason is not; that it is righteous to believe outlandish fallacies.

Our education system graduates many students that are glad to put learning behind them and that have no tools for coping with life’s uncertainties. These people can fall prey to groups that provide all the answers and a welcoming social structure. In return you pledge your unquestioning belief and loyalty. A true believer is born, ready and willing to march on the Capitol or support the latest demagogue.

Dick Robertson, Wilmington

Editor’s note: While the StarNews office remains closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, letters to the editor will only be accepted by email. To submit a letter to the editor, please email your letter to letters@starnewsonline.com. Letters should not exceed 200 words.

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