Jim Young showed courage speaking out against Trump | Letters

Thank you, Jim Young, for showing courage, speaking out on Trump

What a courageous public position Jim Young has taken! He is an example of how one can change course if they choose to become educated in the facts. And, unlike most of our Republican political leadership, he (as an ordinary citizen) has demonstrated that he will not be a bystander and not be indifferent to the threats to our nation posed by a possible Trump presidency.

Thank you for showing courage and speaking out, Jim, and all the best to you!

— John Sloan, Las Vegas, Nevada

No, I won't be voting for Biden

I am not now, nor have I ever been a “fan” of Donald Trump. Early in his first presidential campaign, I said in a town hall meeting that he was just as big a narcissist as the occupant of the White House then (Barack Obama), and that he would destroy the Republican Party. Up till then, I had voted for every Republican presidential candidate beginning with Barry Goldwater in 1964. In 2016, I was never Trump and never Hillary Clinton, so I voted third party. Now, I find myself defending Trump in response to the April 12 guest columnist Jim Young message that Republicans must vote for Biden in November.

Even though I thought Trump made a fairly good president policywise, I still wasn’t a fan and hoped he would decline to run again. Still, I voted for him in 2020 as preferable to Joe Biden, whether sentient or senile. Everything Biden has done since taking office has only strengthened my conviction that I made the right choice.

Am I happy at the choices we have? No. Trump may yet destroy the Republican Party as I predicted, but I am more concerned that four more years of Biden will destroy the country, at least as we know it.

— Dean Cave, Antlers

More: Letters on Trump's praise of Putin; call for end of prison rodeo; how trauma plays role

Join me in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week

In November 2018, Oklahomans passed Marsy’s Law, granting crime victims constitutional rights within the criminal justice system. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) advocates for Marsy’s Law nationwide, emphasizing the importance of treating victims, including those of drunk and impaired driving, with dignity and protection from revictimization.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 21-27) highlights the importance of knowing one's rights, especially regarding Marsy’s Law. While commonly associated with other violent crimes, in Oklahoma, Marsy’s Law serves victims of all crimes, including those involving impaired driving. I’m proud to have recently joined the advisory board of this organization.

The decision to drive under the influence of any impairing substance is a choice, not an accident. It remains the leading cause of fatalities on U.S. roads, claiming 10,000 lives and injuring 300,000 annually; impaired driving fatalities have increased each year since 2019. This impacts drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians alike, with 2 out of 3 individuals likely to be affected by such incidents in their lifetimes. Oklahoma is currently ranked #10 in the USA for most fatalities caused by impaired driving. Someone else’s poor decision could impact your life in a tragic way.

To combat this, planning ahead for a designated driver, rideshare service or public transport is essential. MADD and Marsy’s Law stand to protect the rights of all crime victims, with MADD offering vital support services to victims of impaired driving and preventive resources aimed to eliminate future victims.

Marsy’s Law, a part of Oklahoma's Constitution, ensures enumerated rights for crime victims and provides vital resources for advocates and law enforcement. We have come a long way, but even one impaired driver is too many. Please join us in this annual observance.

— Rebecca Cunningham, court monitoring project specialist & community engagement specialist for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Oklahoma State Office and leadership team member with Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID OK).

Regarding Donald Trump's Bible: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!'

Many U.S. presidents have sold Bibles. What’s even more interesting is that so many people think they know whether or not Donald Trump reads the Bible or goes to church. Are they Christians? If so, shame on them. They should be knowing that any effort to increase one’s spirituality is commendable. And sharing this magnificent publication is a good and noble effort. Maybe these critics should read the Bible themselves, especially the New Testament with Jesus’ teachings: “Judge not, lest ye be judged!”

― Linda Kay Piro, Oklahoma City

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Reaction to Jim Young's column; National Crime Victims' Rights Week