From SL re GM’s letter in the March 19 issue (“Why are the Dems so upset about DOGE?”)
“I agree with GM. How can any sane, tax-paying citizen object to reducing the amount of waste, fraud, and inefficiency within the federal government? Just about every president in recent memory has pledged to do the same thing, including both Clintons, both Bushes, Obama, and even, when he was younger, Sleepy Joe himself. They all made these pronouncements and promises when they were running for office – because they knew that most American voters wanted to clean up the swamp. The difference between them and Trump now is that Trump has put someone competent enough in charge of the job and also given him the support he needs to finish it. The Dems reaction? Let’s incinerate the very cars we used to love because they are green!”
Re my review of The Blind Watchmaker in the March 13 issue
From CD: “Interesting book. However, my favorite is The God Delusion. I have always, since a very young age, thought that religion was just silly. I could never understand why smart people that I looked up to were believers. I always kept quiet about my beliefs, thinking I was on my own. The God Delusion was such a relief! Thanks, Mark, always enjoy your letter…”
My Response: Thanks, CD. I appreciate your suggestion. I’m putting it on my to-read list!
From GT: “Thanks for recommending The Blind Watchmaker. I’m reading it now and, so far, it’s as good as you said it was.”
From PL re the “Just Briefs” issues
“I’m enjoying the ‘Just Briefs’ issues. I read them when I want to be amused, rather than enlightened. In the last one, I loved the clips of that guy who sings to farm animals. Where do you get these? You must be spending way too much time on YouTube.”
My Response: Thanks, PL. And yes, I am! (See one of my favorites in today’s PS.)
From SH: re Big Pharma
“Whenever we come into the US, we see Pharma ads for every conceivable illness. Such is not the case here in Germany! Yes, obesity is a huge problem, much of it to do with poor nutrition. It can be seen in every segment of society. But as you know, America is short-term thinking, and many people want everything cheap, including health care. Cheap means low price, but also poor quality.
“What many question here in Europe, is why so much money is spent for elections, on politicians. Why are US presidential elections so long in taking place? Germany elects in less than six weeks!” – SH
“Big Pharma can pay the lawsuits and still make billions!” – BW
