Vice president

Individuals should not only think about who they vote for for president on Nov. 5, 2024 but who’s the president’s second in command. Back in 1804 there were separate votes for president and vice president, Amendment 12 changed that. With both Joseph Robinette Biden at 81 and Donald John Trump at 77 there is a possibility that the second in charge may be required to step up, I sincerely hope not but something to think about when submitting your vote for president of the United States.

Tony Meschini

Scituate

Basic income

There is no such thing as a free lunch but many seem to believe that money, however, does grow on trees. As I read the latest nonsense coming out of City Hall (“Cash for low-income families?”, Boston Herald, Nov. 28), I simply can’t comprehend the idea of handing out basic incomes to low-income families.

The Wu Administration is actually exploring such an idea as a  basic income program. The city’s chief of economic opportunity and inclusion admits the city has been discussing this potential policy shift.  Functionaries in City Hall apparently see Boston as “a city of tremendous wealth.” Where does this wealth come from at City Hall but from its taxpaying residents.

All of the above was heard during the recent Ways and Means subcommittee chaired by Kendra Lara. Once again I feel great relief because Lara is a soon to be ex-city councilor. Lara even argues that the need is too great to wait for the data. She actually believes free money handouts would give “families the breathing room to set themselves up to be successful.” Of course, Lara doesn’t have any data to back any of that up. How about for the taxpayers whose money would be used for these  free money handouts? Nothing is ever free. How stupid do City Hall officials think we are?

Sal Giarratani

East Boston

Energy independence

The OPEC oil ministers and allied producers including Russia have decided to cut the production of oil by 2 million barrels per day.  This cut will raise the cost of oil.  Brazil is joining this bloc of oil producers and is becoming one of the world’s fastest growing oil producers in the world.  President Trump had made the United States energy independent and our country was the biggest oil producer in the world.  Our economy was not shackled by regulations and we controlled the oil market across the globe.  President Trump will return America to energy independence and OPEC, Russia and Brazil can pound sand.

Donald Houghton

Quincy