Treasure Coast Newspapers Published 4:00 a.m. ET Aug. 21, 2020

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As I write, the postmaster general has decided to stand down on disrupting the mail flow for the general election Nov. 3. However, based on his previous behavior and conflicts of interest, I don't trust him.

In Martin County, a safer way than mailing it is to hand-carry the ballot to the Martin County election office on the corner of Martin Luther King and Dixie Highway, up to the last minutes of the election. There is a slot outside or you can bring it in.

From Oct. 19 through Oct. 31 you can bring it inside any libraryin Martin County.

Check with the election office on any details. Make your vote count.

Harvey Finegold, Stuart

Letter carriers load mail trucks for deliveries at a U.S. Postal Service facility in McLean, Viriginia, on July 31, 2020.(Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, AP)

Back when I was in school, we were taught that you could not go on to the second lesson until you mastered the first lesson. If you did move forward without a full grasp of the first lesson, you were surely going to stumble and fail on the second lesson.

As we try to debate the Second Amendment, and come up with solutions on gun control, I wonder if the real root cause is not in the Second Amendment? It seems most of the mass shootings stem from someones hatred against another persons or groups freedom, religion, or right of expression. Those are First Amendment guarantees.

I grew up with guns. Some of my fondest memories as a kid was taking my gun into the woods with friends, setting up bottles or cans, and shooting at them to see who was the better shot. In addition to having fun, it also taught you respect and responsibility, because you knew the danger involved. I would hate to see that privilege taken way.

So, as we fight not to have that privilege taken away, I think we take the wrong approach. We say that weapons are there for our protection. The reality is that no personal firearm, regardless of its capabilities, would defend you against an attack from a foreign country, as it would have back when the Second Amendment was written. You would be no match for such arsenals as tanks, missiles, rockets, fighter jets, bombers, and nuclear bombs.

So my question is: What are you really protected against? Certainly not an attack from a foreign country. My guess: someone who hasnt quite mastered the first lesson (the First Amendment). The next time you really want to stand up and fight for the Second Amendment, start and practice the First Amendment.

Mike Bentz, Stuart

I was so sad to hear about the shops and restaurants in Port St. Lucie West. Having lived in PSL West for over 15 years I cannot understand why the snowbird bill that is before Congress again (vetoed by President Obama) is not passed. I am a Canadian and this bill sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio would allow seniors to stay in your wonderful country for eight instead of six months. Many Americans do not realize that we are only allowed 182 days in America and being law-abiding people we adhere to the law.

My wife and I can not access any government programs, we have health insurance and love to dine out, buy things and generally enjoy the area. The statistics for snowbirds spending is well documented. Why not increase it by a third?

The only negative reason I have been able to find is that this is an immigration issue and part of a bigger picture. No offense, but I do not want to immigrate and this is a bipartisan bill. Our government lacks common sense just like yours but tell my barber, grocery store worker or favorite waiter in PSL that this makes sense.

I last heard it was before Homeland Security, and an all-out attack from Canadian seniors could be a serious national disaster.

Looking forward to again returning this November. I'm sure my wife's shopping will stimulate the local economy and I hope there are many restaurants open for our dining pleasure.

Murray Chalmers, Port St. Lucie

As I was watching the president of this rich country doing another one of his campaign speeches from his country club, surrounded by his (except for one) white-privilege millionaire members and donors, I was wondering how his unemployed loyal minions were reacting to the crumbs he was tossing at them by signing an executive order that would givethem $400 a week and no payroll taxes.

Am I missing something here? You do not get a paycheck, so you do not pay payroll taxes, really.

Trumps Republican minions refused to vote on the $600 that the Democrats felt was needed, which came to $31,200 year, only $5,000 above the federal poverty guideline for a family of four. The $400 a week comes to $20,800 a year, which is $5,400 less than the $26,200 federal poverty guide line for 2020.

On the other hand the living wage in the United States is $16.54 per hour, or $68,808 per year, in 2019, before taxes for a family of four (two working adults, two children). However, since our president is only interested in lining his pockets,he would not have been briefed on this fact.

I guess Trump agrees with his Republican fat cats: Keep the masses barefoot and pregnant and let them eat the crumbs thrown at them and expect them to thank him for all he has done for them.

Sandra Cordes, Stuart

Marlette(Photo: Marlette)

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Letters to the Editor: Aug. 21, 2020 - TCPalm