Sounding off: George Orwell, Ray Bradbury warned us; thanking Trump; stimulus checks and election results

Have you seen and heard enough yet? I certainly have. I never thought that we would witness big tech silencing free speech or de-listing books whose subject they disagree with. A “woke” administration and Congress that appear more intent on advancing socialism and rewarding their friends than helping to make life better for the citizens of this country. Steel fencing topped with razor wire and 10,000 fully armed troops surrounding our Capitol?

We were alerted to this years ago, when we read (or should have read) George Orwell’s “1984” and Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.” “1984” discusses the effects of socialism, mass surveillance and political abuse (think Big Brother and thought police). “Fahrenheit 451” tells an allegory of banned books and the repurposing of firefighters to burn them (451 is the temperature at which book paper ignites, the author said).

Also, take time to watch the 1997 movie “Wag the Dog,” the story of an administration that creates a fictitious war to distract from a scandal that would be damaging to those in power.

These books and movie were quite prescient.

Don Currie, Unity

‘Boys will be boys’ must end

The allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo involving sexual misconduct, intimidation and coercion are only symptoms of a boys-will-be-boys mentality that pervades our culture, excuses sexual discrimination, justifies degradation, minimizes assault and protects predators.

It’s why so many turned a deaf ear and blind eye to President Trump’s obscene comments and predatory exploits concerning women. It’s why Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby got away with their escapades for so long. It’s why Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, Rudy Giuliani and Bill Clinton all get a “pass” when it comes to marital infidelity. It’s why high-profile “sexting” scandals are viewed as no big deal, and it’s why promising college males can rape coeds and serve no jail time so as not to ruin their futures.

Every time we rationalize “innocent” locker- room banter, laugh off barroom jokes, excuse the politician, celebrity or athlete who verbally or physically assaults a woman, or “let it slide” because we’re hanging out with the boys, we send a message to our sons, nephews, brothers and friends that it is OK to denigrate, objectify and abuse women.

High-profile men like Cuomo and Trump are easy targets for our outrage. However, our moral indignation is nothing short of hypocrisy if we don’t actively challenge the boys-will-be-boys mentality that is all too prevalent in American society. If we don’t confront our peers and purposefully teach our sons differently, then it should come as no surprise when the next women to be sexually abused and assaulted are our wives, daughters, mothers and sisters.

Keith Kondrich, Swisshelm Park

Those who think differently are not enemies

I was truly saddened by Michael J. Kardell’s letter “Toomey should be thrown out of Republican Party” (March 12, TribLIVE). “They” don’t think exactly like me, so “they” are my enemies. The fact is that no one else thinks exactly like we do in all things. (Even Sen. Pat Toomey’s constituents don’t all think alike!) Pretty soon everyone becomes one of “them” and we are left all alone.

But we don’t live very well when we are all alone. We need each other. And to live together we need to listen to each other. “They” just might have something worthwhile to hear.

Peg Mulcahy, Derry Township

Ideas for election integrity

I believe the most important issue the Pennsylvania Legislature should deal with is election integrity. Without that, and along with open borders, you have no country.

The following suggestions seem appropriate:

• No ballots received (not postmarked) after midnight on Election Day will be counted.

• Voters must be registered at least 45 days before Election Day.

• Mail-in ballots mut be requested by registered voters.

• Funeral directors must report deaths to county election boards. Failure to do so will result in a $500 fine per failure.

On a different subject, how can anyone support a federal representative or senator who voted to send $1,400 stimulus checks to convicted rapists and murderers? All Democrats did that. That alone disqualifies them from my vote.

John Kristof, Lower Burrell

Thank Trump for expediting vaccine

While Joe Biden was hiding in his cellar during the pandemic, it was President Trump who initiated Operation Warp Speed. Please do not think that Biden had anything to do with expediting the vaccine. Give credit where it is due. Thank you, President Trump!

Jim Meyer, Jefferson Township, Butler County

Disagree with election results? Return stimulus checks.

Here’s a novel idea for everyone who thinks Joe Biden’s election to the presidency was fraudulent, and especially for those who continue to display Trump signs and flags to disagree with the election results: When your stimulus checks arrive, don’t accept them. Return them to the U.S. Treasury Department, since a “fraudulent” president and a Democratic-majority Congress must be sending “fraudulent” monies. The money you pour back into the Treasury can help rein in the vast overspending the Republicans are whining about.

It’s a win-win situation. You stay true to your beliefs and principles, and the government keeps more funds in its coffers. Ah, but on second thought, you won’t do that, will you?

Cheryl Rossetti, Greensburg

Vote for candidate who will better our community

With a special election in House District 59 approaching, voters should examine the purpose of politics when making their choice this spring (”Trump House creator Leslie Baum Rossi wins Republican nod as party’s candidate for open state House seat,” Feb. 20, TribLIVE).

Politics should not be a game where fans blindly support a candidate. They should not be about worshipping people as idols and erecting monuments in their name. And they should not be about who is the loudest or who can upset the most members across the aisle.

Instead, politics should be about how we can elect a candidate to better the community and focus on pressing issues such as health care, income inequality, education, the environment and broadband internet access. Politics should be about representing every voter, no matter which candidate or party they supported.

When looking at each candidate’s vision, priorities and history, be sure to ask: Is this person focused on drumming up hot-button partisan topics that make the rounds on cable news networks and social media? Or is this person focused on bettering the whole community in reasonable, logical ways with years of relevant experience under his/her belt?

By answering these questions, the choice this May becomes abundantly clear.

Matthew Achtziger, Mt. Pleasant Township