I had a “chuckle” (pun intended) at Chuck Annal’s response “The end of days is here” (Monitor 3/4) to my letter on 2/24. In typical modus operandi, Mr. Annal was quick to dismiss and was uninterested in engaging in discussion or debate. There was plenty of opportunity to respond and reflect another viewpoint but instead he attempted what he accused me of, an insult. “Debbie Downer” was his comparison, and I won’t take that as an insult, I’ll take it and up you a ‘Pollyanna,’ Mr. Annal.
The pandemic was devastating, no one is arguing that, but of late our leaders, corporations, billionaires, media are following (political) science. My point? We need to, in the words of those self-congratulatory, enlightened progressives (that is not an insult, Mr. Annal, that’s how progressives come across), “speak truth to power.” That narrative is not selective depending on your politics and if it can only be applied by the left then it is meaningless.
The power we should be speaking truth to are the social media conglomerates who attempt to define misinformation, power hungry, dictatorial mayors and governors, billionaires like George Soros who funds the campaigns of light on crime elected officials, extremists who want do defund police, close prisons and are the fuel feeding out of control shootings, killings, theft and destruction of property. Mr. Annal, if you can, it would be refreshing to have you respond and debate rather than demonize the letter writer. That said, we won’t hold our breath.
Bill Bunker
Manchester