Letters to the editor for Dec. 7

Why I will not vote Republican

Melting glaciers causing higher sea levels, record forest fires, alarming warming global temperatures — all predecessors to the pending burning up of our planet — make all other public concerns pale. If mankind continues to treat our air and water as sewers, allowing daily dumping of tons of toxic gas and chemicals into these two life-giving sources, the children of today as future adults and their children will very soon inherit a world without hope.

Our President, a self-admitted non-believer of scientific fact, along with no push-back from his party, has now systematically rolled back national existing environmental protection clean water and air regulations. Internationally, he has also withdrawn our nation from the Paris climate accord, an agreement whereby our nation proudly stood fast with other concerned nations of the world working toward solving the pressing issues of global warming before it becomes too late.

Whether your political party is Republican, Democrat or Independent, it is our children and grandchildren who will pay a heavy price for these irresponsible actions. I will not vote for anyone from a political party whose destructive policy changes detract significantly to hopeful possibilities for the well-being of the next generations to come.

Years ago, children were at play when the destructive power of two man-made atomic bombs destroyed their cities, killing thousands. In a few short decades unless reversed, children will be at play while another man-made apocalypse (irreversible global warming) will destroy their planet.

Solution to the plastic problem

I am distressed over the problem our world is having with the overwhelming use of plastics. I admit to being guilty, but am trying to correct my destructive behavior.

It has occurred to me that this is a relatively new problem as not until the early 1980s do I recall plastic replacing glass. This was hailed as a cost-saving measure for industry as it was lighter, therefore saving weight in shipping costs. It could also save space for storage. It also was supposed to be safer because plastic wouldn’t break.

Use your imagination for all of the implications of this. Bottom line: Big Business pushed this to make more money without foresight into resulting problems.

Is it possible for us to return to glass? It would eventually help solve our plastic problems. It could also help reopen businesses here in America. (No, I’m not a Trump fan, but I do believe in not being so dependent on other countries.) Glass is easily recycled.

We could also learn how to cut use of other plastics in our lives. I have noticed an increased number of glass containers in houseware sections. Glass doesn’t absorb stains or odors, isn’t as permeable as plastic, is reusable and less expensive in the long term.