Bear hunting is inhumane

We can all agree that less violence and more respect for all living things would make this world a better place. That’s why I was stunned to read about Maryland’s bear hunt and the thrill it seems to give hunters (“Bear hunters do it for family and community,” Oct. 25).

Surely, there are better, more humane ways to manage the bear population than encouraging the slaughter of beautiful, innocent animals under the guise of sport. What kind of lesson are we teaching our children when we make it seem acceptable, or even fun, to kill a defenseless creature?

— Paul Winston, Baltimore

Retired state workers face financial hardship

During the 2011 Maryland General Assembly session, the state enacted legislation for the separation of prescription plans for active state employees and Medicare-eligible retirees. The effective date was to be in Fiscal Year 2020. However, after a series for legal actions, the new effective date will be Jan. 1, 2025 (“A ‘slap in the face’: Retired state workers in Maryland outraged by drug plan switch,” May 2, 2024).

The Medicare Drug Exchange Program was created to help retirees obtain Medicare prescription plans. The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a contract with Extend Health (Via Benefits) for a 5-year term in the amount of $4,590,000. What I do not know is what the estimated HRA debit card program will cost.

I would like to know what the state anticipates saving (or perhaps how much it will pay in additional expense) for the replacement of the current system.

Many retired state employees are worried the new plan is going to cause significant financial hardship. One need only check out the Maryland State Retirees and Employees Facebook page to read a sample of what many retired employees are already experiencing.

— Richard Funk, Parkville

Shame on Washington Post and Los Angeles Times

There has never been a more bewildering development in politics than the owner-forced decisions at two of the largest left-leaning newspapers — The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times — to not endorse the Democratic candidate for president (“Baltimore Sun co-owner says paper will end political endorsements,” Jan. 20, 2024).

With the race being touted as the closest ever and the stakes being the highest ever, their non-endorsements of Vice President Kamala Harris, the one candidate fighting to save democracy from Donald Trump’s fascist agenda, make their motivations suspect.

Jeff Bezos, the Post’s owner, is the second wealthiest man on earth whose businesses have benefited from Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy and Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, is a billionaire Trump supporter.

Their decisions reek of cowardice, corruption, and subjugation to Trump, something similar to what happened to Russia. It is evident that the last bulwark against Trump’s destruction of democracy will be the American people’s defeat of him at the polls on Nov. 5.

— Mel Tansill, Catonsville

Thankfully, Trump can’t serve another term

I used to be one of those people who was very worried about the negative consequences to our republic if Donald Trump became president after the upcoming election (“Armstrong Williams: Americans can defend democracy by turning out to vote,” Oct. 27). Then I remembered Trump’s own statements on many occasions that he actually won the 2020 presidential election. If he is correct (and of course he would never lie to the American people), then his second term will be expiring on Jan. 20, 2025.

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution does not allow anyone to be elected to the presidency more than twice. Perhaps this is why Trump stated we should “terminate the Constitution,” so he wouldn’t have to pay attention to such troublesome details in the document that has guided our government since its founding more than 200 years ago.

Donald Trump, thank you for your service as President of the United States, and enjoy your retirement at The Mar-a-Lago Club. As a show of gratitude to all your supporters, why don’t you invite them to join you for an overnight stay and a round of golf?

— Robert Mills, Millers Island

Will Donald Trump respect the rule of law?

We understand that The Baltimore Sun’s new ownership made the decision a long time ago not to endorse political candidates. This early announcement had a calming effect, especially in light of the kerfuffle occurring down the road.

Which brings us to Armstrong Williams and his recent sermon extolling the virtues of American elections (“Armstrong Williams: Americans can defend democracy by turning out to vote,” Oct. 27). Like the therapist we all need now, Williams reminded us that the rule of law binds us together, no matter how we vote.

Unfortunately, nine days before the election, we still have an outlier to this feel-good story. Please don’t let the madman wake us up from the dreamlike picture Williams has painted for us.

— Eric Greene, Annapolis