Congressman Rice’s support for Trump’s presidency conveniently overlooks the facts
On Rice, Trump
In the final paragraph of his recent op-ed, U.S. Rep. Tom Rice wrote that we’ll all see what a “land of opportunity” looks like if we re-elect him and President Donald Trump in November.
But while Rice claimed that former President Barack Obama’s administration had “smothered” the post-Great Recession recovery, the fact is that slightly more than 70% of the recovery occurred before Trump took office.
In addition while Rice stated that the unemployment rate had reached a 50-year low under Trump, the fact is that jobs grew for 76 months under Obama and 37 months under Trump.
In other words Rice wants us to ignore the fact that nearly all of the job growth since the Great Recession has been wiped out during 2020 under the Trump administration.
Rice wrote that ordinary people in the 7th Congressional District are being helped as a result of Trump’s leadership.
But six months ago every county in the 7th Congressional District had a higher unemployment rate than the state and national averages.
In addition the average weekly wage in the 7th Congressional District — $627 — is only a portion of the national weekly wage, which is $1,093.
On the issue of health care, there are still thousands of people in the 7th Congressional District who live without health insurance — yet Rice made an early name for himself by arguing that the Affordable Care Act could be challenged in court.
And like Trump, Rice has repeatedly opposed the Affordable Care Act without ever offering a health care plan to replace it.
It is clear that Trump had the advantage of inheriting a growing economy from the Obama administration — and his failed response to the coronavirus pandemic cannot be ignored.
In his op-ed, Rice wrote that the choice in November is clear.
He’s right about that.
It’s very clear that the correct choice in November is neither Rice nor Trump.
Rick Patelunas, Myrtle Beach
On the mail
People need to understand that mail-in ballots are not the only things that come through the mail.
Medicine, checks, bills, invoices, letters from family, greeting cards and bank statements are just some of the things that also come through the mail.
People from all walks of life will be affected if the mail does not get delivered; this includes veterans, seniors, the disabled, people in rural areas and those who support all political parties.
Our elected officials have to do the right thing and stop any interference regarding our mail and our post offices.
All American citizens have to speak up and let their public officials know how any interference will affect them. It’s time to make them remember that they are supposed to work for us.
Jacqueline Blakey, Conway
On the Electoral College
We need to get something done to dissolve the Electoral College.
I know that it takes Congress to do that, but it’s time to put the wheels in motion to get it done.
If someone out there is interested in starting the motion, I would be happy to help.
Beryl Andrews, Myrtle Beach