Mash Notes, Hate Mail & Other Correspondence

Dear Editor: “The state is me,” famously said France’s King Louis XIV—absolute monarch during France’s classical age. His ornate and gold-filigreed style is also the style of President Trump’s New York City penthouse. Trump is attracted to Louis XIV. Now Trump has criticized the Governors of Washington state (Inslee) and Michigan (Whitmer) for not being “appreciative enough” of his late-come efforts against the coronavirus. He’s called it “unpatriotic” to criticize him. He confuses himself with our nation that existed long before him and hopefully will have a life after him. Trump told V.P. Pence “not to call” those two Governors who’ve had too much difficulty …

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To the Editor: If this pandemic has any redeeming value, it’s the reality that the United States needs to adopt some major changes to become a just, healthy, and economically fair society for all of our citizens. Suddenly, issues such as universal healthcare, universal childcare, a $15/hour minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, and collaboration across borders seem more important and don’t seem so unrealistic or even unobtainable. I hope we remember this when the pandemic finally comes under control. Judy Ullman Portsmouth, N.H. Judy: Amen. The Editor