To the editor:

Two things have popped up recently that we should all be concerned about.

1. Even as the president continues spouting his falsehoods just about everything from the actual price of a gallon of gas, who really pays the tariffs, or if all the people he is having abducted and deported are really horrible criminals and insane people, our GOP elected officials here and in Congress have shown no courage, ability or backbone to stand up and tell the world he is wrong. They merely sit silent in acquiescence to the lies. If they think that they are merely acting for the people who elected them, they are complicit in deceiving their constituents or just plain stupid.

2. The Texas flooding is a horrible disaster with probably over 300 dead. The acting head of FEMA has not been publicly heard from in over two months. FEMA sent some 70 personnel to the Kerr sites and 12 to Austin, holding 40 or so on standby. While Texas has many resources, it sent 1,700 plus there and some 975 vehicles. Staff from Mexico came over to help and some states sent a crew down there. By contrast, when Helene hit the Carolinas, FEMA sent in 1,000 personnel. What does this tell us? In case of a major disaster here, we are on our own. Do not expect the government to be of any aid to you. I may not be a serious prepper, but I’m not one to just wait and see what happens. Prepare for yourself, family and friends. The state should start scrounging about to fill a disaster relief fund for its citizens.

Ken Meyer,

Lawrence