Letters on women's health, hunger/poverty, Israel/Hamas cease-fire, third-party candidates

Ensure women's health, human rights

The recent cases of Brittany Watts in Ohio and Kate Cox in Texas serve as harrowing reminders of the consequences faced by women in states with draconian abortion laws. Despite Republican assurances, these women's health emergencies were not just neglected; their personal tragedies were compounded by legal prosecution and denial of essential health care.

Despite what you might hear from Republicans on the campaign trail in 2024, trying to appear moderate by talking about the supposed "exceptions," it's all a mirage. The "exceptions" to these laws are neither reliable nor humane. And they're not just failing women but are actively endangering their lives. This systematic denial of health care is a chilling echo of the once-decried "death panels."

The only viable path forward is clear and urgent: We must send more Democrats to Congress, reelect President Joe Biden, eliminate the filibuster and firmly codify Roe v. Wade into law. This is a critical step in ensuring that women's health and rights are not just a matter of political debate but are protected as fundamental human rights.

— Barbara Warren, Tulsa

Wage war against hunger, poverty

In response to: "Oklahoma governor's executive order to put higher education diversity programs under review."

Oklahoma politicians are fighting the wrong war. Instead of waging war on DEI initiatives, Native American tribes, and the so-called “woke movement,” politicians need to focus on waging war against hunger and poverty in the state.

According to Hunger Free Oklahoma, 208,110 children aren’t getting the nutrition they need, which translates to more than 1 in 5 children facing food insecurity.

The group also reported Oklahoma is one of five states with food insecurity rates above 14.5%. Their studies show students who go to school hungry have more behavioral and social problems in school, are at a higher risk of having lower math and reading scores, and have lower high school graduation rates.

Given these outcomes, politicians shouldn’t have been upset or surprised when Oklahoma’s State Report Card from the Oklahoma State Department of Education disclosed only 27% of students met or exceeded grade-level standards by scoring at or above the proficient level on the state test in math, reading and science.

What future do our children have to look forward to when such outcomes dim the lights of their bright minds?

Simply put, the biggest threat to our children and their future is hunger and food insecurity, which are caused by poverty. Our children need solutions such as the child tax credit and free lunch pilot programs to be implemented now.

Let this be a call to action for Oklahoma politicians to start implementing solutions that will keep hunger out of the classroom so our children can start to focus on learning and succeeding. Let’s show our children we care by ensuring their basic needs are met.

— Tiffany Tagbo, Oklahoma City

Cease-fire needed to address root causes of the Israel/Hamas war

After barely a week of a cease-fire that saw hostages released and desperately needed humanitarian aid flowed into Gaza, war and violence have returned unabated. Rockets and bombs once again fill the air. Aid will no doubt slow to a trickle. Hostages will remain exactly where they are.

It need not be this way. There was positive momentum building toward a permanent ceasefire, something everyone must agree is urgently needed.

The cease-fire negotiations, aid deliveries and release of hostages show the power of dialogue.

Weapons did not bring them about. If Israel and the Palestinians want real, lasting peace, they need to talk to one another; not shoot at each other.

More war is not the answer. There is no military solution to this crisis. It's critical that Rep. Tom Cole and Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullins publicly call for a cease-fire to finally bring an end to the violence. Only once the shooting stops for good can we address the root causes of the conflict. Without that, there is only more war in the future.

— Paul Werst, Newalla

Revolutionize mental health care

As decades have passed, I have watched Oklahoma transform mental health services and save thousands of lives. We are nowhere near finished, but we're determined to be better than yesterday.

In 2023, Oklahoma launched over 20 urgent care and recovery centers through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Of those, Red Rock Behavioral Health opened three in Shawnee, Elk City and El Reno. These centers are crucial, ensuring immediate access to high-quality mental health and substance abuse services statewide.

In Cleveland County, Red Rock’s elevation to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) signifies a holistic care approach, catering to mental health, substance abuse and primary care needs in Norman and nearby areas.

Additionally, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Oklahoma City reflects our unwavering commitment to comprehensive mental health care for our esteemed service members, military families and veterans. Their sacrifices, especially in Oklahoma, deserve recognition.

These initiatives ensure mental health support, focusing on timely intervention and community-based care. Strategically placing these centers across Oklahoma ensures easier access to vital resources for those grappling with mental health challenges.

The establishment of these clinics signifies our dedication to foster an inclusive mental health landscape and prioritize mental health services for all Oklahomans who can now seek help without barriers or hesitation.

— Verna Foust, Oklahoma City

A view on third-party candidates

Beware the third candidates for president. Few people realize the danger that they pose to major candidates. Eight times in our history, a candidate lost the race because a third candidate split the votes.

In 1824, Andrew Jackson lost to John Quincy Adams because Henry Clay and William Crawford ran. In this early election, all candidates were Democratic Republicans.

In 1836, William Henry Harrison, a Whig, lost to Martin Van Buren (D) because of Daniel Webster (Whig) and two other candidates.

In 1852, Winfield Scott (Whig) lost to Franklin Pierce (D) because of Webster, again, and another candidate.

In 1860, Stephen Douglas (D) lost to Abraham Lincoln (R), who was himself the third candidate in a race with John Breckinridge (Southern Democrat) and John Bell (Constitutional Union).

In 1912, William Howard Taft (R) lost to Woodrow Wilson (D) because Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive) ran.

In 1968, Hubert Humphrey (D) lost to Richard Nixon (R) because of George Wallace (American independent).

In 1992, George H.W. Bush (R) lost to Bill Clinton (D) because of Ross Perot (independent)

In 2000, Al Gore (D) lost to George W. Bush (R) because Ralph Nader (Green party) won enough votes in Florida to prevent Gore from winning that state and the national election.

People who vote for third party candidates are not throwing away their votes. They, like everyone else, are electing a president, just not the one they wanted.

— Dr. Richard Bernard, Edmond

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on women's health, hunger, cease-fire, third-party candidates