Today’s letters: Joe Biden still represents truth in the face of lies

Thursday, July 4: The U.S. president may be frail and raspy, but at least he isn’t a con man, a reader says. You can write to us too, at [email protected]

Published Jul 04, 2024 • Last updated 19 hours ago • 2 minute read

U.S. President Joe Biden (right) had a rough debate against former president Donald Trump last Thursday. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS /AFP via Getty ImagesTruth in a raspy voice is still truthRe: Joe Biden’s debate disaster — who could replace him on the Democrat ticket in November? June 29.

Here is a point that seems to be missing in the media frenzy to condemn U.S. President Joe Biden’s debate performance. The truth, spoken in a slow raspy voice, is still the truth. A lie, spoken by a slick, fast-talking conman, is still a lie.

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Ray Farmilo, Ottawa

Biden almost looked the partThe only thing lacking as part of Joe Biden’s attire on that ill-fated debate night was a lampshade.

Douglas Parker, Ottawa

Don’t fall for calls to can BidenI cannot believe how many journalists, pundits and others — including letter writers — have fallen into the Republican trap of calling for Joe Biden to step down. Off one of the early moments of one debate.

It’s shocking how many think this campaign is now a referendum on Biden. Pundits and journalists are letting it happen, feeding the “panic.” Let the convicted felon instead slip below the radar.

The stakes are huge. Not just for the U.S. but the rest of the world.

Biden has been a competent president, knows his stuff, has an incumbency advantage, and polls and fundraises better against Donald Trump than other options. (There aren’t even other consensus options at this late date and a campaign would tear the Democratic party apart.) I don’t even believe there are massive numbers of fence-sitters. This is all a planned narrative. Don’t fall for it.

L. J. Ridgeway, Ottawa

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Yes, Biden should step aside nowI totally agree President Joe Biden should step aside for his own wellbeing and that of Americans. Surely the Democratic party can find a suitable replacement.

I’m sure China and Russia are laughing at the United States.

Robb Rowe, Kanata

A bad verdict on presidential immunityRe: Trump seeks to set aside hush money guilty verdict after Supreme Court immunity ruling, July 2.

What a terrible decision. We must be thankful for the dissenting opinion penned by Judge Sonia Sotomayor. The president being above the law may be the death knell for democracy. Do we have what it takes in Canada to stand firm?

Michael Wiggin, Ottawa

Ottawa police take service seriouslyYears ago, the Ottawa Police Force renamed itself the “Ottawa Police Service.” I witnessed a wonderful example of “service” on Sunday.

In Beechwood, a poor soul was at war with himself and unknown demons. He was yelling and storming around. Moments later, police arrived and I asked them if they knew the fellow. They said, “No, we were just called because there’s a shirtless guy.” I told them he had just gone into a coffee shop, still ranting and in distress. In they went.

Almost immediately, the noise stopped. A few minutes later, they came out of the coffee shop quietly. The man was now wearing his jacket, and carried a container of milk. I heard one officer say to him, “Well, we can give you a lift. We’re parked right over here.” The officer quietly gave me a nod and thanked me. Such respect, kindness and empathy; no “force” required.

Carol Badenoch, Ottawa

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