Letters to the Editor: Democrats' plan of action

Democrats' plan of action

There continues to be a monumental number of letters about how bad Trump and Republicans are for our country. The letters pretty much say the same thing, just different authors — they are a threat to our democracy, etc. Talking about a threat to our democracy. The Supreme Court recently ended a potential threat to our democracy by saying Colorado could not take Trump off the ballot. Trump certainly has faults, but he has not been charged or convicted of insurrection.

Anyway, it’s easy to find fault, but it takes courage to suggest solutions to problems. So, I would challenge the authors of all the recent anti-Republican Sentinel letters to come up with a plan of action that solves some problems. Problems that began or made worse after Jan. 20, 2021. Pick one or two of the following:

• Border crisis and dealing with the millions of undocumented immigrants that have already crossed our border
• Violent crimes committed by illegals
• Fentanyl deaths
• Global unrest
• Funding Ukraine and Israel
• Enriching Iran
• Divided country (Biden promised to unify)
• High interest rates
• Inflation; 14%+ since January 2021
• Out of control spending and our national debt
• Crime rate
• Credit card debt

“I believe many of the people who achieve their positions of power by pledging to solve problems don’t actually have any interest in doing that. Their goal is to get reelected.” ~ Dr. Phil McGraw.

Michael John De Waard

Holland

OI commissioners don't seem to get it

“I find it very unfortunate that the committee took requests, eliminated requests, approved some, disapproved others and eventually pulled everything up to the board. I think that was kind of how things used to work. Maybe, kind of comically, if we did that, you would never hear the end of it. That’s why we’re focused on transparency and keeping things done in the open.” ~ Joe Moss at the Tuesday, March 5, Finance and Administration Committee of the Ottawa Board of Commissioners.

Thank you, Joe, for finally identifying your example of former board corruption that you have charged but never yet had provided an example. Let me say that elected leaders calling together a committee of constituent representatives and your own Ottawa County experienced staff is a thing called “leadership.” It is exactly how a leader should operate. Convene a cross-the-county group of private sector representatives, mix with experienced staff members, all led by BOC members, and work through several meetings parsing the opportunities this once-in-a lifetime (we hope) sum of money can offer us, finishing with multiple PUBLIC AND OPEN presentations of what this group thought the best way forward.

As you say, it was led by board members. The monies as presented in the audit are fully accounted for. This is NOT corruption. If your group of OI commissioners stepped out of your closed and private strategic meetings and instead convened community representatives and staff to wrestle with major decisions, you would certainly hear from the media. But it would be congratulatory, Mr. Moss, not accusatory.

May I end with a quote from MAGA Sen. Katie Britt, Republican of Alabama. “Joe, you just don’t get it.”

Dan Bourbon

Park Township

Michigan's underprivileged face financial peril with proposed auto insurance hikes

The repercussions of Senate Bills 530, 531, and 575 loom large over our state's underprivileged communities. As lawmakers get back to work in Lansing, it's imperative to recognize the potentially devastating impact on those who can least afford it.

For many underprivileged Michiganders, these bills pose a significant threat to their already precarious financial situations. The suggested hikes in auto insurance costs may push struggling families to the brink, adding an extra burden on top of existing challenges such as high gas prices and inflation.

We've witnessed the resilience of Michigan's underprivileged communities in the face of economic adversity. However, subjecting them to soaring auto insurance costs sends a distressing message about our priorities. Families working hard to secure a better future should not bear the brunt of policies that cause additional financial strain instead of prioritizing their well-being.

The potential consequences of these bills extend beyond personal wallets; they have a ripple effect on local businesses, schools, and the overall vitality of Michigan life. Our representatives in Lansing must consider the far-reaching impact on underprivileged individuals who may find themselves disproportionately affected.

I strongly urge our legislators to reject any measures that threaten the financial stability of underprivileged families. Let's keep Michigan moving forward by voting against Senate Bills 530, 531, and 575, ensuring the burdens of skyrocketing insurance costs do not fall disproportionately on those who can least afford it.

Larry Jackson

Holland

An open letter to BOC Chair Joe Moss

We all love having opinions on things. Many of us love sharing our opinions with other people, friends, family and strangers alike. Yet when it comes to hearing dissenting viewpoints, things get a lot messier. Does hearing the other side of the story make you tense up, ignore it or perhaps even become dismissive? That seems to be the case here in Ottawa County lately.

Without getting defensive, I am finding the individuals who only support the Ottawa Impact point of view do not want to listen to viewpoints at odds with their own. That is the problem here, Mr. Moss. You only want to talk to your tribe. You chastise others with opposing points of view that may have merit. You could at least try to understand why before calling it baseless, "you are just an OI hater," "you are just someone lost in liberalism" or sometimes things that are even worse in your social media outlets and at the Board of Commissioners meetings.

In a democracy, we are allowed to disagree. To dismiss opposing opinions entirely is very problematic. That is the culture I fear we have in the Ottawa County of 2024, Ottawa Impact versus the rest of the great people in this county. Being duly elected, you are required not only to represent your Ottawa Impact tribe but all the tribes in this county.

I have imparted this to many people I encounter in this county. It is far more important to listen TO UNDERSTAND than to hit the “reply” button and say something without truly listening to what the other person is really saying. Do you want to be a uniter or continue to stay within the confines of your tribe? If only you listened and tried to understand the people who do not necessarily agree with your direction, think of the amazing things that could be done in the name of compromise.

"My own experience is use the tools that are out there. Use the digital world. But never lose sight of the need to reach out and talk to other people who don't share your view. Listen to them and see if you can find a way to compromise." ~ Colin Powell

Nancy Pochron

Georgetown Township