End hypocrisy

It’s difficult to get into the spirit of the holidays when the suffering in the world is so dreadful. As I thought of the brutality toward U.S. immigrants by the current administration, I started to research the history of a few Make America Great Again politicians. Here are two notable discoveries:

President Donald Trump’s grandfather, Friedrich Trump, came to New York from Bavaria (now Germany) in 1885 at the age of 16 to avoid compulsory military service. He joined his sister in New York, married an immigrant and made money related to the Gold Rush. He and his wife attempted to return to Bavaria but were ordered to leave due to his military avoidance. They returned to America, and Donald Trump’s father was born in the Bronx in 1905, thus receiving birthright citizenship.

Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller’s great-great-grandfather fled what is now Belarus in 1903 due to antisemitism. He was part of the family reunification process whereby U.S. citizens and green card holders could sponsor certain family members to immigrate to America. 

We are all descendants of people who came to this country, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and our national fabric has been strong and beautiful because of this. My wish is for an end to the hypocrisy and cruelty of this administration and a pursuit of peace on earth and loving thy neighbor.

JUDITH COATES

Isle of Palms

Traffic backups worsen

I write as a concerned resident of Charleston to bring attention to a growing traffic problem on Market Street, between King and Meeting streets. Recently, one of the two lanes on this already congested stretch has been taken over for limousine shuttles.

As a result, traffic backups have become a daily occurrence. On a recent occasion, it took me nearly 30 minutes to drive less than half a mile to my home. This situation is not only frustrating for residents and visitors but also raises serious questions about fairness, safety and the appropriate use of public roads.

Market Street is city property, and as citizens, we rely on equitable access to our public infrastructure. It’s unclear how a private business has been granted the right to occupy an entire traffic lane for commercial purposes. I respectfully request clarification on the following:

• Has the city granted formal permission for this lane to be used for shuttles?

• If so, under what ordinance or agreement was this approved?

• What measures are being taken to ensure that public access and traffic flow are not being compromised for private financial gain?

Charleston’s charm depends on thoughtful stewardship of our shared spaces, and I hope this matter can be reviewed promptly. I, along with many other residents, would appreciate transparency and a swift resolution that restores full access to our city streets.

DARRAH CATHERMAN

Charleston

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