We cannot let ourselves
be split by disinformation
The Russian goal is to create chaos and division among Americans, making us take sides — liberal or conservative — by giving false information in the (social) media. We are being bombarded with Russian disinformation.
One example is disinformation about vaccination — it’s bad, causes problems. No, it doesn’t but look at how we are divided on it. Another example was bombarding African Americans during the 2016 election with the need for them to concentrate on their communities, not be involved in national voting.
We are all Americans with different views but those viewpoints have caused divisions among us that are exaggerated due to the Russian programs.
Oxford University, in England, is researching this Russian disinformation and results can be obtained on the internet under such headings as “New Report on Russian Disinformation Prepared for the Senate.”
Hatred for minorities and for those with opposing views is at an all-time high and is being acted out by a very few engaging in terrorist activities due to (social) media disinformation.
We Americans need to recognize the need for other entities’ attempts to cause such chaos and division among us, whereas we must stand for the dignity, the truth and the indivisibility that represents America.
Lois Gibb
Morgantown
‘New’ look newspaper
more difficult to read
I have lived in Monongalia County for 82 years and have subscribed to this newspaper all my adult life. Before that my parents subscribed, so I am familiar with it through all its many name changes.
As to the “new” look, I do not like it. To me it is more difficult to read. You could save ink by reducing the size of the headlines and print the crossword puzzle in print that one could read.
I have good eyesight but with glasses and magnifying glass still have a hard time doing the puzzle.
Shirley R. Austin
Morgantown
Court fell short of justice
in animal cruelty case
After attending a local sentencing hearing today for an animal cruelty case, I am compelled to share my thoughts. I’m not going to name names, the players are not important. What is important is that a sweet, innocent cat died a horrible death and the court fell inches short of finding real justice.
A young man pleaded guilty to torturing and killing a cat he had adopted only a month before. While he pleaded guilty, he was not always honest or cooperative with the court, requiring a second psychological evaluation and a rescheduled hearing.
The young man was convicted and sentenced to be incarcerated for 1 to 5 years — but he is not going to jail for one day. No fines to pay. Today this young man is a convicted felon and must live with the consequences for the rest of his life, but he is also alive and free.
What is left behind is an animal welfare community that is sad and wounded. We expected that justice might include a modicum of jail time — perhaps 30 days in jail so he could reflect on the 30 days he lived with this cat before he brutally killed him.
Then the court thoughtlessly suggested that community service could be served at the shelter where he had adopted the cat we know that he killed. Trust me, the emotional burden for the shelter staff is heavy enough without asking them to deal with this cat killer.
There is a proven connection between young people who are cruel to animals and adult criminal behavior. Families, churches and schools are the centers where respect for life must be taught.
We are all responsible for the humane treatment of the animals we live with and depend upon — domestic, exotic and farm, as well as the wildlife surrounding us. In the words of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, “I am my brother’s keeper, and I will fight his fight and speak the words for beast and birds … til the world shall set things right.”
Nancy Young
Morgantown
