Letters to the editor

Temporary fix

I am relieved that Washington politicians finally did the right thing and passed COVID relief legislation before they went home for the holidays. This bill includes key rental and food assistance that will put food on the table and keep a roof overhead.

While long overdue, this new relief bill will only serve as a temporary fix. In a few months, when these new provisions expire, millions of Americans will be back in the same boat facing hunger and eviction. Congress must not repeat its recent mistakes by again waiting until the last minute to do something.

When our members of Congress return to D.C. in January, I expect them to start immediately working with President Biden to craft a large COVID recovery package that includes the resources needed to help renters struggling to avoid eviction, boost food assistance via SNAP, and shift tax policies to focus on low-income workers and families by expanding the EITC and Child Tax Credit.

We are all counting on you to do the right thing in this hard winter.

— William Deignan, Medford

Not enough

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, Congress just slapped American citizens across the face. Congressional members have been collecting hundreds of dollars per day for their alleged work,  federal, state and city officials and employees have enjoyed a paycheck each week of the pandemic. Now in the new COVID relief bill it’s not surprising that the bill has nothing to do with relief, but everything to do with foreign aid. Congressional leaders are patting themselves on their backs, telling Americans look what we have done for you, you get $600 while the Kennedy Center got $25 million in stimulus aid. Wake up America!

— Mark Howland, Weymouth

Who goes first?

There’s been a lot of discussion on why the elderly with pre-existing conditions aren’t the first getting the vaccine, these individuals are vulnerable to this deadly virus. Yes, first responders should be vaccinated first but how many seniors may avoid the deadly coronavirus by taking the vaccine? I read that Gov. Charles Duane Baker Jr. has put incarcerated people, yes prisoners, getting the vaccine first along with first responders. Once again the most vulnerable, the elderly, the ones that are in the coronavirus target sight, are in line after people behind bars.

— Tony Meschini, Scituate

True colors

Once again Ed Markey shows his true colors (“Relief package in works,” 12/15/20). In one breath he says he cares about the people of Massachusetts and in the next breath he says the coronavirus relief package should wait until Joe Biden takes office.

It must be nice to be a multi-millionaire who can wait for relief and not wonder where your next meal is coming from. Why are we waiting anyway? Of course, so Joe Biden can take the credit, thanks Eddie!

— Michael Westen, Malden

Middle East tensions

Regarding Joyce Ferriabough Bolling’s “A season of celebrating all those who give back to the community,” Dec. 11, three of the squad preach hatred of Israel. They are fomenting revolution in the Mid-East.

President Trump is the only person who has ever made inroads to peace in support of Israel.

You support the three who can live with war in the Middle East, while trashing the president.

— Tony Macrina, West Roxbury

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3hnWhtm