Coronavirus response shows the real "fake news"

The term "fake news" was born during the presidency of Donald J. Trump. It was widely used by the president and members of the presidents team to rebuff news items critical of the Trump Administration. Over the Trump years, the amount of "fake news" grew exponentially. It got so great that the president routinely disparaged representatives of mainstream media, and sternly admonished them and dismissed their questions at presidential news conferences. Trump supporters admired such actions because they were seen as one demonstration of his "telling it like it is." After all, the president himself promised that, unlike his predecessors and members of the Washington elite, "telling it like it is" is one way that he alone will make America great again.

Now comes the COVID-19 pandemic, which Trump informed the nation was a "hoax" likely perpetrated by Democrats. Epidemiologists using methods of scientific investigation determined the severity and extent of the disease. They collected incidence data and identified preventive measures that should be promulgated at the federal level. On multiple occasions, Trump told the public that prevalence was decreasing, not increasing, and the use of masks and social distancing could safely be phased down. Last week, epidemiologists at a press conference presented data showing growing prevalence. Vice President Pence, speaking for the absent president, then spoke of the outstanding progress the administration has made, right from the beginning, in defeating the pandemic.

Who is lying? Whose news is fake? Whose inaction and incompetence has resulted in the unnecessary deaths of thousands of American lives?

Richard Bolig

Cranston

Where does revisionism end?

Currently there is an agenda by certain activist groups to oppose segments of our American history that they deem offensive. Their efforts are to remove, ban or deface any objects that relate to our flag, our national anthem, memorial monuments and persons of historic significance. They have even made attempts to eliminate religious names, statues and certain places of worship.

In the coming years, history books will need to be rewritten for all educational classrooms omitting many of the suggested offensive references. A new curriculum will be required in order not to offend anyone.

Even if only partially successful, the cultural effect will impact much of our countrys history for years to come. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will have new meaning for some as our past history is being revised on a daily basis.

Whats next, the Fourth of July?

Bob Sweeney

Warwick

Larger ramifications of gender-neutral drivers license

According to Governor Raimondo, Rhode Island residents can now select a gender-neutral designation on their drivers license in order to "better reflect the diverse identities of Rhode Islanders." As the state continues to explore the transgender ideology and all it holds, we must continually ask ourselves about the nature of the human person. For to hold that ones body and "identity" is asserted by Xs will does not correspond to the truth, but to an accommodation of want that further undermines the purpose, meaning, and nature of the human person in an ordered universe.

Craig Cooley

Providence

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Letters to the Editor: 'Fake news' on coronavirus; rampant revisionism; the nature of gender - The Providence Journal