SpeakUp!: Hearings to approve Trump's cabinet are insulting to the American people

The committee hearings to approve or deny President Donald TRUMP’S cabinet picks are beyond insulting to the American people. They are nothing more than mendacious performances by those Trump has picked and grandstanding by senators on both sides of the aisle who clearly are not listening to us. Waste of time. ML

President Donald Trump’s inability to accept the flag being flown at half-mast at his INAUGURATION, instead having it be flown at full mast and then returning it to half-mast the next day, is the equivalent of showing up in a brightly colored suit with glitter shoes at a funeral. MLL

The American flag is meaningful because it represents us all. It has special protocols because we revere it so much. The TRUMP FLAG does not and is nothing more than a political flyer or bumper sticker. Flying both next to each other as if they are equal is wrong. CC

Thank you to Chef Cory and the entire staff at M’TUCCI‘s Italian restaurant. They hosted 35 Scouts and provided hands-on activities for them to learn about the restaurant industry, including dough preparation, pizza-making and front-of-the-house tasks. Your support of our Scouts and the greater community is unparalleled. We appreciate your efforts. MC

Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris worked for the better part of a year on negotiations between HAMAS AND ISRAEL, inching closer with time, and in a final push succeeded just before leaving office. President Donald Trump said, if it doesn’t end, “all hell will break loose” and he wants to claim responsibility. EN

While the politicians pontificate on stopping another MIDDLE EAST WAR, the underlying problem still exists. WWII saw Hitler lead Middle East leaders into hating the Jewish community. Religious hatred seems to be the key behind suicide terrorists’ actions. So, who will address Islamic leaders to eliminate the hate? Hate only gets us another Gaza. GT

ABORTION is morally wrong because it takes the life of an innocent human being. The argument “don’t have an abortion if you don’t agree with abortion” doesn’t change the pro-life position. Abortion is not a matter of personal preference; it’s an issue of morality. BR

Regarding “Demonizing health care providers won’t fix physician shortage crisis” (Jan. 10 Journal): So, state Rep. Eleanor Chavez, D-Albuquerque, demands to know what Dr. Villas-Adams’ salary is, and Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson, D-Albuquerque, asks her how much physicians spend on wine? What do these questions have to do with our HEALTH CARE CRISIS? These questions demonstrate that the elected officials are just progressive, socialists and Marxists representatives. DAW

Regarding Mayor Keller makes an offer: I think there are compelling arguments for locating a major HOSPITAL in Downtown Albuquerque. Arguments such as improved urban renewal, economic impact and health care accessibility. Why didn’t Mayor Tim Keller drive by the Mayo Clinic on his Phoenix tour? ABQ would benefit by having a Cleveland Clinic satellite. SR

One simple way the Legislature could ease the burden on New Mexico HEALTH CARE providers would be to get rid of gross receipts taxes on medical care. They could have taken that action many years ago, but don’t seem to care about increasing access to N.M. citizens. SD

Regarding “It’s time to disrupt the system and introduce real SCHOOL REFORM in NM” (Jan. 19 Sunday Journal): I agree with the headline, unfortunately the author is wrong. Charter schools help some, but public school reform helps all. Gut central admin, use good existing curriculum, set up school site councils, increase parent and teacher collaboration, reduce class size and keep staff. JCS

Regarding “It’s time to disrupt the system and introduce real school reform in NM” (Jan. 19 Sunday Journal): The school reform options identified as necessary in the column — home schooling, charter and private schools — already exist in New Mexico. The writer is really advocating, under the guise of school reform, that taxpayers pay for PRIVATE EDUCATION. RSM

Regarding “Eliminating personal income taxes isn’t a radical proposition” (Jan. 14 Journal): I would very much like to see the shopping list that state Rep.-elect ELAINE SENA CORTEZ, R-Hobbs, used to come up with the amount of $600 for a cart that was not even full. That must have been some pretty expensive (merchandise). CE

Regarding “Mass deportations will be unfeasible and expensive” (Jan. 19 Sunday Journal): How much does he think it’s costing right now to take care of undocumented IMMIGRANTS? What about all the future costs for food, shelter, medical care, education and of course their cellphones. That will be expensive. RC

Albuquerque’s HOMELESS POPULATION is comprised of those who want help and those who don’t. For the former group, point them in the direction where resources exist to help them help themselves. For the latter group, drive them to the bus station and give them a one-way ticket out of town. RF

To limit PANHANDLER TRASH blowing all over, I suggest placing trash bins on the street corners where they can place their garbage. If we can’t get rid of them, at least minimize their litter. RJ

Why don’t they get all those Hollywood superheroes, the ones the news has been interviewing, to put out the fires with their Oscars and Golden Globe Awards? Reality can be hell on earth. May God protect and bless all those real, hard-working FIREFIGHTERS in LA. MAP

When GUNS are protected in culture because gun owners claim they need unrestricted guns, do not be surprised when society grows more violent. Do not blame cops, teachers or politicians when ordinary kids see paranoia as lifestyle and a gun as the solution. AH