The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

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The following is a response to Betty Ussach’s Opinion piece, entitles, “It’s distressing that people support Netanyahu, Trump’s narcissistic, destructive agendas”.

“The constant blaming of everything wrong is Trump’s fault, known as Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), is living in a certain author’s gray matter permanently now. Hamas attacking Israel and Israel’s response is somehow interconnected to Trump. Can’t make this up! Trump had every right to exercise all legal options to the bogus charges, many under novel legal theories. We still have due process!

Facebook photo.

But you wouldn’t know that if you only watch TDS news stations which most are. Bibi had every right to defend his country and ensure the enemy is completely defeated, never to be attacked again in an ambush of innocent civilians. Rapes, beheadings and torture are all acceptable to the author, just be compassionate in your response. Shameful! Hamas has taken billions of dollars and used it for war purposes, building tunnels under hospitals and buying weapons all with the intent on destroying Israel, with the support of the Palestinian people.

There isn’t much room for compassion when the enemy butchers your citizens in an unprovoked act of war. The founding principles of any nation are to ensure the safety and sovereignty of its citizens and country. Principles obviously devoid as expressed in the opinion piece. Again, somehow Trump is lumped in with the war as losing international respect for each nation.

What Trump supposedly has to do with the Israel/Hamas conflict is further proof of TDS. Conversely, while Trump was President, the world was at peace, initiated the Abraham Accords and brought great economic improvement to all economies and demographics. Facts not acknowledge by those suffering TDS.

Facebook photo.

The most delusional statement of all is believing the American new media is the most accurate! Now that’s one hallucination! It has been proven over and over that most “main stream” news media, that the author watches, has been proven to lie, misstate, take out of context and distort the truth to continue the hatred of DT.

Russia Gate-False, Laptop-Real, FISA Abuse-True, Hillary falsely started Russia to deflect from her email scandal-True, the list goes on and on, but you wouldn’t know it if you watched Fake News. Hence the continued TDS living in many people’s gray matter.

Lastly, when did it become a “destructive agenda” to put America and Americans first and bring back jobs moved overseas due to cheap labor and little or no environmental regulations to ensure the well being of our citizen’s first? Patriotism is not a destructive agenda! Unfortunately the hatred made people vote personality over policy.

The Fake News did their job, Orange Man Bad! Look what we have now; world wars, inflation, open borders with known terrorists already here, rampant gang crime and soaring energy costs that nobody can afford. The tide is turning and when DJ becomes 47 I hope those suffering from TDS, get help and be prepared for more world peace and God blessing America again.”-Nelson Strebor.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“The stunning defiance and arrogance of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.

Each phase of Israel’s response to the Hamas attack of October 7th reveals the depth of arrogance, self-righteousness and selfishness of Benjamin Netanyahu. The comparison to Donald Trump is startling. Each man is facing criminal convictions and is delaying judicial accountability: Netanyahu by continuing the horrendous war upon Gaza and Trump by fomenting and threatening civil war and utilizing every trial delaying tactic.

Devoid of compassion or commitment to the founding principles of their nations each man is doubling down on hateful rhetoric and is appealing to the vindictive and nationalist tendencies of millions of supporters.

Each man has the ability and possibility of completely destroying any international respect or support previously accorded their nation. The principles of rule of law, equality and fairness have no significance to them but are obstacles to their dictatorial aspirations.

It is particularly distressing that in two of the most educationally advanced nations, with unlimited access to accurate news, that hundreds of thousands of citizens continue to believe obvious lies, and support each man despite overwhelming evidence of their unethical, narcissistic and destructive agendas.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“As Trump’s cases have multiplied, the motions to dismiss are denied and civil judgments are in the millions, Trump is churning up his MAGA militias for a reprisal of the Capitol insurrection that could put this country on a trajectory for a bloody rebellion or a civil war.

As each criminal case is delayed with an uncertain outcome that keeps Trump’s name in every news cycle it affords him the opportunity to whine and threaten his opponents and flagrantly disrespect the judicial system.

Shooting a person on Fifth Avenue pales in comparison to the criminal indictments awaiting trial in state and federal courts. Standing before hundreds of thousands of charged up supporters and dog whistling a call to arms with bloody results is so potentially dangerous to this country. And suffering no consequences for his diatribes further enables and energizes Trump.

Proclaiming that he is being treated like any other criminal or civil defendant is inaccurate as most people charged with crimes and torts lack the funds to pursue every conceivable motion, or appeal, in order to delay their cases indefinitely.

Manipulating the system and avoiding conviction has inured to Trump’s benefit by providing fuel for his rants, confirms his supporters’ faith in his innocence and power, and has contributed to the emasculation of the Republican Party structure by his seizing control and funneling donations for his defense.

Trump will become the victor by winning or losing the election as he has enabled the worst inclinations of millions of Americans who are willing to forfeit their rights and best interests to elevate their beloved leader.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“The right wing Republican pro-Israel stance is not wavering!

For those liberal Democrats and voters of middle eastern decent, who are withholding or rejecting support of President Biden because he has not taken the final step of advocating for the cessation of military aid to Israel, it would be wise to reconsider their position.

At least there has been some equivocating by Biden as he has incrementally become more critical of Netanyahu and his right wing coalition. Biden’s full throated support for Israel’s response to Hamas, with only tepid recommendations to avoid civilian casualties, has been replaced with public criticism and veiled threats of eliminating aid to Israel. And Biden is publicly rebuking Netanyahu and clearly considering other options to end the war.

The Neo-Cons of old in alliance with the right wing caucus however are providing unequivocal support for Israel‘s response to Hamas.

Their steadfast devotion to Israel, with scant consideration of the thousands of innocent Gazans who have lost their lives, is hardly encouraging if disaffected Democrats vote Republican, third party or stay home.

It was Donald Trump who moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem during his presidency, which in no small measure encouraged Netanyahu and his right wing to feel invincible from American criticism and further enraged the Palestinians.

It may seriously conflict with alleged Democratic values by voting for Biden, but if Trump is re-elected it will be the elimination of a century of progressive legislation that benefitted a majority of Americans, and authoritarian rulers everywhere will rejoice and be emboldened.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

Did you hear that Americans now pay $1 trillion in interest on the national debt? No? That is by design.

There is nothing more important to America’s future than our crushing national debt yet Joe Biden and congress distract us with global warming, Russia, Israel, and Trump trials. Look at this boogey man, but not politicans selling off our future. The Roman politicians figured this out over two thousands years ago; distract the population with wars and gladiators and some free bread while stealing all the wealth. Two men who didn’t know each other fighting to the death. Symbolically, today’s gladiators are just Democrat versus Republican, liberal versus conservative and black versus white. We pick a side, jump on social media and battle it out with people we don’t even know. Sometimes the combat hits the street. Today, we are willing to hate and fight with people we don’t even know while our politicians from both parties enrich themselves.

The United States Government is now paying $1 trillion annually in interest on the national debt and that debt is now increasing at a rate of $1 trillion every 100 days. A trillion is a big number and hard to comprehend so let’s see if I can help you understand how big it is relative to the gross domestic product (GDP) other countries and then the consequences of it.

America’s nation debt is now at $34 trillion, twice the size of the world’s second largest economy, China. In other words, America’s future generations owe twice as much money than the entire Chinese economy and that debt is growing fast. There are only 19 counties on earth with an economy larger than $1 trillion. Our $1 trillion interest payment is equal to the size of the entire Saudi Arabia economy ($1 trillion GDP). We pay annual interest payments that are larger than the total economy of 194 of 213 countries on earth. American tax payers pay more interest than the entire Switzerland economy is worth. You can see the list of countries by GDP here.

$1 trillion annual interest payments is about $2.7 billion a day. For some local perspective, the City of New Bedford budget for FY2024 is $513 million. This means America’s daily interest payment is more than five times larger than New Bedford annual city budget. Instead of sending $500 million to 5 American cities each day, we send the interest payments to the banks and wealthiest in the world who buy up the debt. Is the lightbulb on your head going off yet?

It’s important to note that these interest payments are paid off by printing more money and collecting more taxes, which is horrible for Americans. Printing more money leads to more inflation (too many dollars chasing the same amount of goods) and collecting taxes transfers money from mostly the middle class to the wealthiest. China is the largest country outside America holding our debt so you are building their cities with the interest payments, not America’s.

Imagine an elderly couple with a combined income of $100,000 a year with $120,000 in debt. Instead of paying off the debt, they just pay on the interest and keep spending recklessly knowing death will come before they’ll have to pay off the debt in full. Now imagine their children and grandchildren inheriting the debt and you have an accurate picture of your federal government spending and debt balance. President Biden is 81-years old and overseeing $1 trillion being added to the nation debt every 100 days and he’s asking for more addition spending – nearly $100 billion for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. He can print more money and raise taxes because the debt will go to the next generations and he’ll be long dead before the debt bomb explodes on his grandchildren.

It doesn’t matter if you are the horrible politicians who spend the money, or just a person ignoring it, you are equally responsible for destroying our future generations. Stop being distracted and call your local congressman.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“Governor Healey’s proposed executive pardon of incarcerated people and those previously convicted of simple marijuana possession is fair, humane and definitely will save significant taxpayer funds.

From all perspectives this is a commendable executive action.

It will save taxpayers money that is being expended to incarcerate people who are serving time solely for simple possession. Those previously convicted of possession who have been denied employment, housing, child custody or unsupervised visitation, and other benefits available to the general public, will be returned to a non-criminal status and the onus of conviction will be lifted.

With rampant unemployment in certain business sectors, with hiring signs everywhere, jobs will finally be filled. This will be a win for businesses in desperate need of employees and the taxes paid by those hired will inure to all residents of Massachusetts.

And from a purely humanitarian perspective this is the right thing to do, especially in view of the many states that have de-criminalized simple possession. And once again Massachusetts will lead in removing an unnecessary and unfair impediment that has been shown to disproportionately penalize certain less fortunate members of society.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“Sheriff Heroux is creative, considerate and cost conscious.

Without exception the articles, letters from inmates (obtained through freedom of information requests) press releases and consistent feedback from employees, indicate that Sheriff Paul Heroux has, in a relatively brief time, changed the tenor and atmosphere at the Bristol County House of Correction.

The diminishing staff problem he inherited has been resolved with an ever increasing list of applicants who, it appears, have heard of the changed work environment.

BCSO photo.

The more intensive medical and psychological evaluations, in tandem with the professionally recommended protocols for suicide prevention, are being implemented as promised. And additionally, and creatively, the cells and bunk beds are being remodeled to reduce suicide risks, provide privacy and decrease violence amongst inmates.

These bunk modifications are being constructed by the inmates as job training, as well as sending the message that their safety and rehabilitation are of major concern to Sheriff Heroux.

The Sheriff is also ever mindful of the enormous costs associated with punitive incarceration that has proven to increase recidivism and produces a safety threat to staff as well as to inmates.

And the Sheriff, in response to the destruction caused by a handful of inmates , has also indicated that he will not accept belligerent and abusive behavior and those alleged to have committed assaultive and destructive actions will be criminally charged.

Clearly Sheriff Heroux is implementing major changes with the objectives of reducing the incentives for the released inmates to re-offend and for them to re-enter society with job skills and hopefully a sense of responsibility to their families and community.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“Who said Donald Trump lacks loyalty?

It has been said, and poignantly demonstrated, that Donald Trump demands loyalty from everyone in his financial, familial and political orbits but offers no reciprocity in return. But one glaring example that rebuts this claim is Trump’s fealty, respect and willingness to assist Vladimir Putin and other villainous dictators.

No matter the dastardly murders of his opponents or critics, the silencing and punishment of peaceful protestors, or the territorial incursions into abutting nations, Putin can always count on Trump’s positive comments or utter silence.

If China invades Taiwan or North Korea sends soldiers into South Korea will Trump applaud their territorial or imperialistic aspirations?

And based on recent Trumpian threats to NATO allies of refusing assistance to any member in arrears with their financial payments there will be no military assistance from the United States.

It’s important to remember that Trump ”doesn’t like losers,” and thus far Putin, and other major autocratic leaders, can count on Trump to compliment them, remain uncritical, or more actively encourage his legislative sycophants to deny assistance to their targeted victims.

Clearly Trump is capable of unmitigated loyalty, and to those who claim otherwise, it is just more proof of what the world will look like if he regains the White House.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“The last several weeks have been very negative for Donald Trump.

Two civil lawsuits have been adjudicated and Trump assessed hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite accusations of conflict of interest against Fulton County Georgia Attorney General Fani Willis she redeemed herself by testifying and calling attention to the interference of election case which will probably move forward.

Trump’s adored dictator Putin has again been accused of murdering an opponent. The major witness against Hunter and Joe Biden has been indicted for lying to investigators. Nikki Haley hasn’t ended her campaign and is ramping up her criticism of Trump. Ukraine and Zelensky haven’t been defeated but remain a constant reminder of Trump’s efforts to bolster Putin’s territorial aspirations. Melania continues to be conspicuously absent from Trump’s campaign and court trials.

And in no small measure Netanyahu’s aggressiveness was encouraged by Trump’s unmitigated support during his presidency and undoubtedly cancelling this as a braggable issue for his campaign.

These accumulating woes for Trump may still inspire donations and sympathy from his MAGA millions and syncophantic legislators but certainly is turning off increasing numbers of voters who want to see an end to this destructive period in the United States.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“Undoubtedly the Supreme Court will rule that Donald Trump cannot be eliminated from the ballot by declaring that he is only presumptively guilty of inciting an insurrection or that the constitutional provision is not applicable in this circumstance.

But, the court can salvage its deteriorated status and save American democracy by immediately agreeing to hear the immunity appeal and expeditiously deciding that there is no absolute immunity for criminal or treasonous actions of a sitting or past president.

The nine justices, no matter their political or ideological inclinations are acutely aware that if Donald Trump were to regain the presidency the Supreme Court could be manipulated, obscured or consigned to irrelevancy. Their status has been significantly diminished since their assistance in the ascension of George Bush Jr. to the presidency and by the Citizens United opinion and other anti-democratic decisions. In their allegiance to the Federalist Society agenda, and to magnanimous friends and supporters they may grant Trump his immunity and thereby “hoist them on their own petards.”

And conversely, they could recreate and reactivate the respect formerly accorded the court by quickly, decisively and unanimously declaring that Donald Trump will not be protected nor insulated from conviction by relying on an autocratic immunity defense.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.