Letters to the Editor

Being ignorant of truth is a choice - Dec. 13, 2023

Dear Editor:
Sen. Ricketts’ recent editorial is a perfect example of not allowing facts to get in the way of a partisan political smear job. Conservatives are at the point now where nothing a Democrat does is worthy of any respect or support. The House is spending all of its time attempting to find any kind of dirt on President Biden only because they are so petty and will do anything to try to “get even” for Trump being twice impeached. They are spending millions of dollars and almost all of their time chasing this imaginary quest with the result being that Congress is getting nothing accomplished.
Sen. Ricketts quotes several sectors of our economy and in all but one case, his numbers do not match up with reality. He states that the price of gas has risen 54.82 percent. If he ever drove a car around himself he would know that this is not the case at present. Gas prices did rise considerably this summer, but since late September they have fallen to the point that you can find gas prices under $3 a gallon. 
Long term forecasts point to gas prices possible rising again, but this is because of lessening demand and that crude oil prices are expected to rise. The reality of the matter is, though, that presidents don’t have much influence on gas prices; Trump didn’t and neither does President Biden.
Much of the last three years has been a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, while many sectors of the economy had valid supply chain and other issues which forced them to increase prices, many other sectors didn’t have serious problems and still elevated their retail costs to consumers merely because they could. Inflation and unemployment figures are again at normal or historically low levels, but the average person only listens to media outlets that match their preconceived beliefs and do not research for themselves to see if they are being told the truth.
Sen. Ricketts quotes energy prices as up 39.69 percent, but in reality for this current year energy prices have dropped 20.88 percent. Rental rates are still high but also are trending slightly down in the last four months. Food prices are still relatively high, but the trend for this year is down 7.70 percent.
The national debt is at an all-time high, but most of the increase in the near past came as a result of Trump’s tax cuts that only benefitted the ultra-wealthy, and President Biden’s infrastructure bill which is making a real difference in updating many long-neglected projects that are vital to our country to maintain our competitiveness in the world community. It’s interesting to note that Republican Congresspersons and governors are crowing to their constituents about new infrastructure projects beginning in their states, in spite of the fact that NOT A SINGLE ONE of those Republicans in Congress voted for that bill.
Fellow citizens, I implore that you do your own research instead of merely automatically accepting what your regular news outlets and your party spokespersons offer you. In these times, the availability to research what is truthful and what is not is accessible to all and remaining ignorant of the truth is a choice, not an inevitability.
Monte Burger,
Aurora

Avoid perpetuating false narratives - Dec. 27, 2023
Dear Editor:
I write in response to the recent letter submitted by Monte Burger regarding Sen. Ricketts’ editorial. While I appreciate the passion displayed, it is essential to address the inaccuracies and biased perspective presented.
Firstly, the claim that conservatives refuse to acknowledge any merit in Democrats is a sweeping generalization. Disagreement on policy issues does not equate to a lack of respect or support for the opposing party. It is crucial to foster constructive dialogue rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.
Regarding Sen. Ricketts’ economic statistics, it’s important to note that economic indicators can be complex and multifaceted. Gas prices, for instance, are influenced by various factors, and claiming a significant decrease without considering the broader context is misleading. Economic analysis should be thorough and nuanced, acknowledging both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends.
While it is true that presidents have limited influence over gas prices, they do play a significant role in shaping economic policies that impact the overall health of the economy. It is an oversimplification to dismiss their influence outright.
The assertion that the House is solely focused on investigating President Biden to settle scores from the Trump era oversimplifies the legislative process. Oversight is a fundamental responsibility of Congress, and holding the executive branch accountable is not a partisan endeavor but a crucial aspect of the checks and balances system.
Furthermore, attributing the national debt solely to Trump’s tax cuts oversimplifies a complex issue. It is essential to consider the broader economic context and acknowledge that multiple factors contribute to fiscal policies and outcomes.
In conclusion, it is imperative to approach political discussions with a commitment to accuracy and a recognition of the complexities inherent in policy analysis. Encouraging citizens to conduct their own research is commendable, but it is equally important to present information accurately and avoid perpetuating misleading narratives.
Josh Peters,
Hampton
 

Pushing back on false narratives
Dear Editor:
In response to Mr. Josh Peters’ reply to my previous editorial, my first response is to
point out that while he accuses me of inaccuracies, I need to correct one of his. 
Mr. Peters says I attributed the national debt solely to Trump’s tax cuts. My statement, which does not say that, pertaining to the national debt was “most of the increase in the near past came as a result of Trump’s tax cuts.” This statement does not say I attributed the national debt solely to Trump’s tax cuts. The only false narrative in this instance is your statement, sir.
I stand by my original editorial and in addition to the incorrect false narrative that I have just exposed on Mr. Peters’ part, I don’t retract or apologize for any of my stated perspectives, regardless of how biased Mr. Peters believes my perspectives are. Just because he doesn’t agree with me doesn’t mean he isn’t just as biased as he believes I am. He goes on at length about how complicated and multifaceted the study of economic and fiscal policies are but does not offer one single example of actual data which would refute my contentions.
Also, in accusing me of comments that are divisive, I would point out to Mr. Peters that I actually made an attempt to avoid divisiveness by stating that presidents, including Trump, don’t have a significant influence in controlling the price of gas. It’s unfortunate that Mr. Peters either missed or ignored that attempt.
Fiscal and economic policy is complex, multifaceted and does have varying short and
long termed trends that need to be taken into consideration. I’m fairly confident that most average Americans don’t have the expertise that those who are trained in these fields have. That I am not an expert in these fields bothers me not. I do possess the knowledge to know where to find accurate information about these topics.
This is why my closing argument in my previous editorial rings even more true than ever. We all may not be experts in all of these fields, but we can take the time to search for the results that these experts publish, and call out those who would push false narratives for political purposes.
Monte Burger,
Aurora

False narratives called to question
Dear Editor:
Oh, Mr. Burger, your ability to dodge accountability is truly a work of art. The way you dissect my statements with surgical precision, emphasizing the subtle nuances of your own words, is nothing short of a grammatical masterpiece.
I must express my deepest thanks for your informative revelation that your statement about Trump’s tax cuts causing “most of the increase in the near past” in the national debt wasn’t, in fact, implying sole responsibility. Clearly, my comprehension skills pale in comparison to your verbal prowess.
Your unwavering commitment to standing by your original editorial, regardless of any inconvenient truths or accusations of bias, is truly admirable. After all, who needs humility or the ability to learn from mistakes when one possesses the unbeatable certainty of their own perspectives?
Your insightful commentary on my alleged bias is truly enlightening. Your assertion that my disagreement with you automatically makes me just as biased is a stroke of genius. Clearly, the rules of logic and reason bend to the mighty force of your opinions.
And how could I have missed your valiant attempt to avoid divisiveness by pointing out the obvious about presidents and gas prices? I must apologize for my oversight in not recognizing the sheer brilliance of your diplomatic finesse.
Your confidence in the average American’s ability to navigate the complexities of fiscal and economic policy without expertise is heartwarming. We should all be grateful for your benevolent guidance as we stumble through the labyrinth of economic intricacies.
In conclusion, your closing argument is a beacon of wisdom in a sea of ignorance. The call to arms against false narratives is truly inspiring. May we all strive to emulate your unparalleled ability to discern truth from fiction, even if it means contorting reality to fit our own narratives.
Josh Peters,
Hampton