OPINION: Speak Up!

The incremental LOSS OF DEMOCRACY occurring right now is alarming. The FBI raids the home and office of an outspoken critic of the administration. Armed National Guard members are deployed in D.C. Then other states send in more National Guard. Other cities are threatened. Alarming. EJG

Since January, Trump has purchased $100 million worth of BONDS. Now he is pressuring the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, which will increase the value of those bonds. The Federal Reserve needs to stay independent to fight this kind of corruption. JH

POTUS won the election over 200 days ago. He's supposed to represent all Americans now. We employ him. So, why does he spend so much time and energy playing dirty political games, promoting personal grievances, and engaging in numerous distractions and conspiracy theories? It's divisive and a big waste. MY

This is what I like about President Trump: He's not satisfied with "requires patience" improvement. A 3-5% REDUCTION IN CRIME over many years? What about 20% reduction in weeks? That's the kind of progress I want to see as a taxpayer and I don't see how that's fascism. That's true public service. AN

Feels like "We the People" are in an alternative tangled world of reality and fantasy; dreamlike or hallucinatory state. Trump imposes TARIFFS he claims foreign countries and businesses absorb, but we see prices going "greatly" up on everything we absorb as we get zapped with "Sneakflation." DD

Regarding "Republicans need GuarDRAILS FOR TRUMP" (Aug. 31 Journal): The Republican author identifies broad examples of Trump actions which damage our country. I applaud his insightful candor and hope we all will set aside politics to courageously challenge those who undermine the values and laws of this country. FS

Responding to Texas' GERRYMANDERING to rig the midterm election and give Trump five seats he's "entitled" to, California will ask voters to approve a redistricting plan. Republicans declare "two wrongs don't make a right." So, they admit what they're doing is wrong, but apparently only when done by Democrats. Hypocrisy! JG

Secretary ROBERT KENNEDY JR.'S new philosophy for HHS — scientists, medical experts, proper research? We don't need no stinking scientists, medical experts or proper research. We will decide the health of the nation based on our hunches and prejudices. AF

Many New Mexicans will lose their MEDICAID. Many will lose their "Obamacare" lower premiums. We will lose some smaller New Mexico hospitals. Republicans: Is that what you voted for? TT

Does the exodus of experts at the nation's top public health agencies put U.S. children at risk for the return of ONCE-ERADICATED DISEASES? Do Americans care about the next generation? Do American journalists have the courage to speak up, even if it hurts the feelings of the POTUS? BF

So let's hope that the APS school bus used to TRANSPORT THE HOMELESS back/forth to the Gibson/2nd Street locations is thoroughly, and I do mean thoroughly, disinfected/cleaned before the children get on it next time. One can only hope someone is responsible. Oh, I forgot, this is Albuquerque. ML

Mayor Keller says about homelessness, "We need to treat it across the spectrum" with rehab, prevention and treatment. Fine. But the formula should also include prison if you're an ADDICT arrested dealing drugs. We are out of patience with repeat offenders. Addicts use programs to avoid consequences. AH

Amazing how Democrats protect their power and have no thoughts of what happens to the workers in NM. Closing the ICE DETENTION CENTER will cut jobs. There are other states the detainees can be moved. Legislatures are telling us let them eat cake. JMW

Increased POLICING will not solve crime problems. It is not the capturing of criminals that is weak and ineffective, it is the punishment phase. In New Mexico, consequences for criminal acts have been drastically changed and offer no real effective motive to stop criminal behavior. Criminals know it. GH

APS can't keep GUNS out of schools. That failure belongs to a society and parents who glorify weapons as answers to wounded pride. Until America stops worshiping guns, schools are left with only reactionary measures. JG

Ho-hum, another MASS SHOOTING. Thoughts and prayers until the next one and the one after that. America seems paralyzed and unable to do anything at all to prevent such occurrences. Oh yes, it was nothing to do with guns but rather the person who had the guns. Hopeless problem. CE

Hey, APS! Want students to feel safe? Six words: WEAPON DETECTORS like in Rio Rancho. RB

More speed cameras won't help because thousands of drivers don't have license plates, or hide them behind dark plastic covers or put out-of-date plates and temporary paper licenses in dark rear windows where they can't be read. Enforce LICENSE PLATE LAWS and speeders will slow down or pay up. TO

Watching the enthusiasm of the teens and 20-somethings embracing SOCIALISM, one has to wonder if in school they learned the full impact of the USSR. Such as the farm communes, bread lines, empty store shelves and freedom. Wake up people. JEH

While hiking the new CHALLENGE TRAIL in the Sandias, we met Tom, one of the volunteers who created this and other hiking trails for us all to enjoy. Thank you, Tom and Friends of the Sandia Mountains! Your work is appreciated and valued. Our mountain trails are fabulous. AC