The recent history of international relations is fraught with examples where the sanctity of law has been compromised for political expediency. Among the most troubling instances is the Trump Administration’s alarming approach to countering drug cartels — a response that not only skirts the boundaries of legality but also risks undermining the United States’ long-standing commitment to the rule of law on the global stage. 

To the Editor:

President Trump ordered armed combat troops into Portland, Oregon, because he said the city is under attack and burning to the ground. This is not true. The city of Portland is just fine according to its own police chief and the mayor. An area just one city block long at the federal building has been the site of small demonstrations. The city is not burning to the ground. 

To the Editor:

Last week I met with the Rep. Chuck Edwards of the N.C. 11th District for a short conversation. I asked his opinion of the military incursion into Portland, Oregon, and he asked me if I lived in Portland. For a beat I was stunned, as if I shouldn’t care about what was happening in any American city.

To the Editor:

Some protestors of the Trump administration created what they call “No Kings Day” on June 14, 2025.  They claim that Trump’s policies resemble monarchical rule rather than democratic governance. While all presidents have power, it is limited. 

As anger grows over the slow pace of federal recovery funding for Hurricane Helene and Republicans in charge of recovery continue to scramble for political cover, a spokesperson for Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) delivered a long list of false claims relating to Edwards’ role in procuring the help — or not procuring the help — Western North Carolina still so desperately needs. 

To the Editor:

Disappointing national employment numbers were released last week. Estimates were much lower than expected, and may be precursors of a shrinking economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that 19,000 jobs were filled in May, 14,000 in June, and 73,000 in July (bls.gov/economic news release 8/1/2025).

As residents of Jackson County continue to rail against commissioners’ June vote to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system over LGBTQ content — a decision made without a plan, without a clear understanding of library operations and without reliable financial projections — questions are growing more pointed, but the minority that supports withdrawal continues to spread misinformation about key aspects of library operations. 

As a retired physician assistant who devoted a long career to public health in Macon County, I am deeply concerned by the misinformation about vaccines being spread by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his appointees. 

As an attorney, I have direct experience and the unique point of view that comes from working with the Social Security Administration daily and remain in awe at its ability to serve millions of Americans with a wide array of needs.

To the Editor:

I write to correct misinformation in a letter to the editor written by David Lawson. He made two statements which are false.

His first mistake accuses the Social Security Administration of issuing benefits to more people over age 100 that are alive.