Baltimore needs its historic buildings

No one doubts the sad state of affairs in Baltimore but losing elements of our history is cause only for greater sadness. Recently, The Baltimore Sun has written about the proposed demolition of two different historic sites including important homes along Preston Street across from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation (“Mount Vernon neighbors want their historic Preston Street homes saved from demolition,” July 29). The Cathedral itself is vital to our rich cultural heritage. But if it is allowed to construct its proposed prayer garden at the expense of nearby buildings, we will have less of our city’s history to appreciate in the future.

Many in Baltimore are working hard to bring about significant and positive change. As their efforts advance, let’s not go backward with the kind of “urban renewal” demolition that characterized misbegotten efforts toward improvements in the 50’s and 60’s. Baltimore has a great deal to offer despite our challenges. Our history and an appreciation of our past is among our greatest assets.

— Buzz Cusack, Baltimore

McConnell a hypocrite on Donald Trump

Letter writer Doug Canter provides an interesting perspective on the role of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell during the 2021 impeachment trial of Donald Trump (“Ex-presidents are not above the rule of law,” Aug. 13). However, I think Canter is letting Sen. McConnell off a bit too easily.

At the time of the trial, McConnell told associates that he believed that President Trump’s actions before and during the Jan. 6 insurrection were impeachable, but on Feb. 13, 2021, the Kentucky senator voted to acquit Trump on the charges of high crimes and misdemeanors based on the questionable premise that he was no longer in office.

This timing issue occurred because McConnell blocked a quick impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. Following McConnell’s acquittal vote, he savaged the former president, claiming that, “He was practically and morally responsible for the U.S. Capitol insurrection.”

When it comes to the actions of Mitch McConnell, hypocrisy has no limits.

— Beryl Rosenstein, Pikesville

‘Bidenomics’ sure beats GOP trickle-down

There are many reasons to celebrate the first anniversary of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Inflation is at its lowest rate in three years, having fallen by nearly two-thirds since last year despite unemployment remaining near a record low and real wages growing this year. Core consumer inflation rose just 0.2% from June, matching the smallest month-to-month increase in nearly two years.

The passage of the IRA, combined with the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — two of which received broad bipartisan support — have unleashed an unprecedented level of public and private sector investments (“Rise in wholesale prices biggest since start of year,” Aug. 12). These investments are rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, bolstering manufacturing and positioning the U.S. as leaders in critical new industries like clean energy, electric vehicles and more. More than 170,600 new, clean energy jobs have been created for electricians, mechanics, construction workers, technicians and support staff along with many others. In total, these investments hold the promise of creating, supporting and re-shoring millions of well-paying jobs.

Want to know where the money is going? The Center of American Progress has created a nifty tool that tracks more than 35,000 of these investments.

Real jobs for real people, not for millionaires and billionaires.

— Peta N. Richkus, Towson

Come out and support the O’s, hon

I believe there are still many folks who will not go to Orioles games for myriad reasons. Many will say they feel unsafe venturing into a city that has sadly seen its share of violence and murders. Yet I do not see the problems in Baltimore affecting the Ravens’ attendance (“Risers and fallers: Ravens rally past Eagles, 20-19, to extend NFL-record preseason winning streak to 24,” Aug. 13).

We must come out in droves to support the Orioles. They are playing baseball at a very high level. Things can change so rapidly in professional sports and nothing is guaranteed.

As an aside, let it be noted that by attending Orioles games, you give the Angelos brothers less reason to relocate our beloved “Bal-tee-more Orioles.”

— Patrick R. Lynch, Towson