Readers sound off on the election, Trump and Biden

Criticism of former President Donald Trump as lying about or misunderstanding how tariffs work seems a bit misplaced.

Ted Diadium’s opinion article, “Take the long view when deciding your vote,” surprised me. I may understand his uncertainty about both of the the two main presidential candidates, but I see what I think are flaws in his arguments.

First, and basically, I think he’s being naive by assuming that news — any news — is untainted by the writer, the observer, etc. Everything and everyone has a “bent.” Most of us - I think —accept that the world is round, but all else is up for interpretation.

Second, Donald Trump may present some interesting deviations from the norm, but please look at the context and look at the track record. And, maybe most important, look at those around him.

Third, the author points out that Kamala Harris has a limited track record. Right! But, no candidate who has not played a role in state or federal government has a track record. Is that good or bad — or neither? What vice president has stood out for his/her decisions, actions, etc., while serving in that role? She may be constrained by being vice president to Joe Biden. She may or may not follow his patterns, but, if she wins, must be careful in how she acts — until Jan. 20, 2025.

Instead of Diadium planning to use a “flip a coin” approach when he walks into the voting booth, I suggest he spend time analyzing the candidates, their platforms and their backgrounds, and then use his best — and prejudiced — opinions and choose one of the two. I’m pretty sure that’s what he really will do.

Herb Skovronek, Morris Plains

Trump may be smarter on tariffs

Criticism of former President Donald Trump as lying about or misunderstanding how tariffs work seems a bit misplaced. Perhaps Trump’s understanding may, in the real world, be far better than that of his critics.

In Alan Ferber’s recent letter, “Tariffs don’t work the way Trump says they do,” the writer gives a perfectly accurate description of how tariffs work, but then goes on to suggest that the amount imposed by the tariff “is then paid by you and me,” the end buyers of the product.

But, that would be true only if the imports upon which tariffs had been imposed were, in fact, purchased by a retail customer. If the products were not purchased — maybe not even imported — and if the real purpose of the tariff was to discourage the purchase of designated imports rather than to raise money, wouldn’t the tariff have accomplished exactly what it was intended to do?

That outcome would be without cost to consumers, other than the theoretical cost of not being able to buy something they might otherwise have chosen to buy.

Robert B. Ardis, Chester

Sticks and stones ...

Regarding President Joe Biden’s recent comment about “Trump supporters,” I never thought I would be proud to be demoted, from “deplorable” (Hillary Clinton) to “garbage.”

So much for unity, hope and joy.

Peter Leone, Bloomfield

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