To stem the rising tide of gun violence in Detroit, additional police presence in parks, neighborhoods and other public spaces is one of several solutions that must be implemented together.
Community Policing works well when we have the necessary human resources to have a presence that serves as a deterrent. De-escalation tactics must be practiced. Mental health solutions must be in the equation and gun control MUST be part of the remedy for what ails us as a community.
David Greenwood
Farmington Hills
‘Toppling Ren Cen is toppling Detroit’
Let’s be clear. Detroit is the Center of the Renaissance and the Center of the Renaissance is Detroit. It is the symbol of the city just as the Empire State is of New York. Talk about demolition (“Future of Detroit’s Renaissance Center increasingly leans toward demolishing most towers,” Detroit Free Press, July 12) needs to stop now. GM’s action was foolish, as was the change in its own building on West Grand Boulevard. Stop looking for solutions to the problems these foolish decisions create and work on solutions to fill these buildings. Taking down Ren Cen is taking down Detroit. Aren’t we fed up with this?
Joe Polimeni
Birmingham
A Landowner’s Perspective on ICT Transmission Lines
Energy infrastructure article (“$1 Billion Plan Could Save Michiganders $3.4 Billion with New Lines for Renewable Energy” Freep.com, July 4) makes ITC’s transmission lines look like great for everyone. But it doesn’t highlight the point of view from the landowners’ perspective.
The ITC is threatening to take away my family’s century-old farm by requesting eminent domain. This is forcibly taking away my family’s legacy, not because there are no alternatives (in fact there is a secondary route that uses 14 kilometers of the aforementioned right-of-way), but because this is how they can maximize profits.
I would be fine with green energy, but right now it is being treated like a gold rush and many people like me and my family are being wiped out by big companies in the process.
I shouldn’t have to spend my kids’ college funds on lawyer bills because someone 20 miles away sold a bunch of land for wind turbines, solar panels, or megasites. The protection of the people should not come last, this should not be allowed to become an episode of “Yellowstone.”
Anthony Wohlscheid
Eagle, Michigan
Politics and people
Democrats have been extremely concerned since Biden’s poor debate performance. Some argue that you can’t really say that Trump won the debate just because his outrageous lies were delivered in a clearer and more confident manner. But the fact is that, for many, he seemed to have won, due to Biden’s inconsistent, raucous and sometimes incoherent performance.
However, when considering who to support for president, I implore voters not to think of the word “performance,” but to think of two other “P” words; politics and people.
Donald Trump showed us what his policies were during his four years in office, and what they will be if he wins again with his frightening rhetoric during the campaign. His policies revolve around him and his wealthy donors looking for more money and more power. He promises retribution against his political enemies, fewer regulations and, despite his claims, nothing economically for 99% of Americans.
On the other hand, Biden’s policies have resulted in more rights, more hope and a better economy for the vast majority of citizens. Of course, these facts themselves fight an uphill battle against Trump’s blatant lies and the alternate universe in which Republicans have resided since he took over the party.
This brings us to the next important word; people. Biden is a good person and has many good and competent people around him. Moral people with vast experience who will help you govern effectively during your next term.
Trump’s people fall into one of three categories: First, people who were in his first administration, who worked with him and who cannot, in good conscience, support his candidacy. Second, those who worked in his administration and are in prison have already served time in prison or are awaiting trial for their actions in support of him. And lastly, his sycophants, many of whom denounced him as “unbalanced” before, who are now lying with him, for him, and swearing eternal loyalty to him, hoping to get a few crumbs from their king.
I hope our electorate is smart enough to understand that we need to look at the entire campaign and not just one person. Although, just looking at the person, I would also hope that we could make the right choice between a lying criminal with no morals and an honest, experienced public servant who is aging and becoming a less effective public speaker.
David Cash
Detroit
‘Biden is mentally fine, even brilliant’
After Biden’s big press conference on July 11, I sampled the autopsies to see if any commentators understood the true conclusion. No. Biden is mentally fine, even brilliant.
But like any citizen past retirement age, if we challenge his intelligence after a long day of work and after a long work week (like in the first presidential debate), he, like me, probably won’t be able to remember their own name.
However, let him have a good night’s rest and he will slay dragons tomorrow. That’s life on the planet of old people, Mr. Smarty, and you missed it.
Biden was more lucid, incisive and communicative on important issues than today’s friendly critics of 40-somethings and 50-somethings will ever be. Yes, he stumbled on a name, but critics of his are tripping over roadside IEDs in comparison. I don’t have a horse in this race. I’m independent, so I’m only reporting what an impartial voice should have seen.
Kimball Shinkoskey
Woods Cross, Utah
Republicans: ‘Swallow your pride and do what’s right’
I want to respectfully ask true Republicans to have a unique year.
Get rid of and vote NO to all those (including the enablers) who will harm this great nation. Swallow your pride and do what is right. Before long, you will be able to return all your new fair candidates to Congress. Those who will put our country before themselves. Get us back on the right path. We must press for everyone to reach an agreement.
And I, for one, will welcome you and your chosen representatives with open arms. We need you. Democracy must prevail.
Do some soul searching and drop all candidates who will cause harm to this great nation. Get this country back on track to where we were and should be. If we vote this way, going forward, I believe both political parties can therefore be put on notice that the rule of law and democracy must prevail over personal and special interests. Remember your elementary school teachings.
Morality is important, it’s a no-brainer.
Pete Begley
Morristown, New Jersey
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This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Together, these tactics can remedy gun violence | Letters to the editor
