Letters to the editor

Worcester Telegram & Gazette
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Veterans snubbed for shelter priority

In April, Massachusetts killed an amendment to prioritize homeless veterans over migrants. The amendment, titled Homeless Veterans Prioritization for Shelter Assistance, would have restricted migrants' access to the state's overflowing emergency family shelter system to give preference to our veterans. 129 Democrats voted against this amendment! Shameful! There are almost 600 veterans without a home in our state.

Congressman Jim McGovern’s voting record is just as disturbing. McGovern, along with 170 Democrats, voted against the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 7511), requiring the detention and deportation of inadmissible aliens caught committing a crime. And, McGovern, along with 150 Democrats, voted against the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act (H.R. 6976). This act provides that aliens who have been convicted of or who have committed an offense for a DUI-driving while intoxicated or impaired are inadmissible and deportable. McGovern also voted against H.R.2, Secure the Border Act of 2023. In other words, McGovern consistently voted against the safety and security of the citizens he represents.

In August 2023, the Healey administration, frustrated by our emergency shelters being strained amid a historic influx of migrants, asked all Mass. residents, “if you have an extra room or suite in your home, please consider hosting a family.” I call on McGovern and members of the Healey administration to set the example. In fact, every single Biden voter should feed and house these unvetted migrants who have illegally crossed into our country. I’m tapped out.

Colleen West, Worcester

Sad to read attacks on McGovern

It is saddening to read attacks on Rep. McGovern in response to his attempts to outline a vision for peace. Last month, I was part of a public audience that received McGovern during a visit to Worcester. I stood and watched as he engaged a range of legitimate concerns and perspectives. He seemed keenly aware that no words could placate the suffering and pain that have come out of Israel and Gaza, and that even attempting to would draw anger from some. And yet he persisted, it seemed to me, out of the belief that nobody there — however diverse of opinion — truly wants war. When a military campaign claims as its spoils more children than enemy combatants, the military campaign is failing. When a moral framework must seek out violence to find peace, the framework does not hold. We should be supporting the efforts of those looking to build bridges in these terrible times.

Max Ritts, Worcester

McGovern 'out of touch'

I wholeheartedly agree with the recent letter submitted by Mr. Steven Feldman detailing Jim McGovern’s pro-Hamas voting record. That’s just the latest example of how out of touch he’s become. It’s time for a change and I urge voters to follow Mr. Feldman’s lead to move away from Jim McGovern in the upcoming election.

Brian McNamara, Worcester

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Letters to the editor