To the Editor:
Re “The United States Is Locked in a Bitter, Loveless Marriage,” by Kurt Andersen (Opinion guest essay, Aug. 13):
Mr. Andersen’s essay about America’s “soft secession” overlooks a crucial reality: Even the reddest and bluest states are politically mixed. No state today is truly homogeneous. Millions of Democrats live in deep‑red states, and millions of Republicans live in deep‑blue ones. Any talk of a “national divorce” ignores this basic demographic fact.
A split would be far more difficult now than in the 19th century because our political geography is thoroughly interwoven. The real divide is urban versus rural, not state versus state. A breakup would instantly create millions of internal migrants, and the movement would not be symmetrical. Democrats in red states would be far more likely to relocate than Republicans in blue states, who often remain for economic or quality‑of‑life reasons despite political differences.
Mr. Andersen is right that the country is strained, but the notion of a clean separation is a fantasy. The United States is too intermixed to slice neatly in two, and any serious discussion of secession must start with that fact.
Jeffrey Barat Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
To the Editor:
Kurt Andersen gets there slowly, but in the end he’s suggesting that the United States of America may split into two: the red states and the blue states. “Someday down the line we may decide we have no choice but to call it quits,” he writes.
Sorry, but we have endured worse national tensions — the Depression, two world wars, civil rights struggles, presidential assassinations and a civil war — and we have been able to come through to a better place.
So let’s not dwell on negative hypotheticals, Mr. Andersen, unless in fact you are quietly hoping to make them our reality.
James Berkman Plymouth, Vt.
To the Editor:
Kurt Andersen asks if the United States is a failed marriage between federal and state governments, urban and rural communities, liberal and conservative ideologies. Should such acrimonious spouses stay together for the sake of the children, or is it best to call it quits and split into separate political entities?
Here’s a more promising analogy: America is a ship at sea, designed and built for a voyage to a distant port — a fair and equitable society. There was a mutiny in the 1860s that challenged the authority of the ship’s officers and crew — the federal government — and the worth of its enterprise. That mutiny failed.
President Trump’s administration makes it clear that a soft mutiny has succeeded. Our ship has changed direction and seeks a different destination. On our ship, however, passengers (citizens) choose officers and crew (elected representatives). We will decide whether or not our ship returns to rightful course.
Jamie Baldwin Redding, Conn.
Christie Brinkley: Nuclear Reactors Are ‘a Threat to Future Generations’
To the Editor:
Re “Can the U.S. Resurrect a Nuclear Power Plant?” (Business, July 28):
The attempt to restart the Palisades nuclear reactor in Michigan, which was closed in 2022, is tied up with long delays and large cost overruns. Palisades and other old reactors have many corroding mechanical parts in need of major upgrades. Aging and degrading reactor parts are not just a cost issue but also a health concern, as higher releases of radioactivity are a risk.
In recent months, researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have published four articles in scientific journals about cancer near American nuclear power plants from 2000 to 2018. One was focused on Massachusetts, the second on the United States and a third on lung, breast and colon cancer deaths. These studies estimated that there were 115,000 excess local cancer deaths, over half of them lung, breast and colon cancer. A fourth study found 390,000 excess deaths from all causes. (The researchers’ findings did not establish causality.)
Restarting closed reactors, continued operation of old reactors or building new ones all pose a serious threat to public health. Rapidly growing renewable energy, especially wind and solar power, present a safe and viable option.
Renewable sources now generate over 30 percent of electricity in the United States, and that will increase to 37 percent in a year. Thirteen states, including California, produced over 50 percent of their electricity from renewables in the past year.
The concerns over nuclear power, including the risk of cancer and radiation accidents, make reactors a threat to future generations. Public policies should support safe and renewable sources, allowing them to assume the primary role in meeting America’s energy needs.
Christie Brinkley Sag Harbor, N.Y. The writer is a model, an actress and the vice president of the Radiation and Public Health Project.
Military Aid to Ukraine
To the Editor:
Thomas E. Graham argues in “A Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Is Now Possible” (Opinion guest essay, Aug. 6) that the time is right for “immediate U.S. re-engagement” to end the war.
Mr. Graham’s argument leaves out the fact that there is zero evidence that President Vladimir Putin of Russia is interested in ending the war that he launched unless the United States pressures Ukraine into surrendering its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By ending direct military assistance to Ukraine last year, the current U.S. administration has forfeited much its leverage over Ukraine.
That the American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have visited Russia numerous times but have yet to set foot in Ukraine undermines their credibility with the Ukrainians, though they are reported to be planning a visit to Kyiv sometime soon.
The best way to end the war is by not engaging in wishful thinking but by providing significant military assistance to Ukraine, including the urgently needed interceptor missiles, and by tightening sanctions on Russia.
David J. Kramer Dallas The writer is a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.
Whiskey With Friends
To the Editor:
Re “As Drinking Ebbs, What Will Fill the Social Holes?,” by Ginia Bellafante (Sunday Styles, Aug. 2):
Ms. Bellafante’s essay highlights an important dimension of the alcohol conversation that is too often overlooked: the role that moderate, responsible drinking can play in community and social connection.
As president of the Washington chapter of Women Who Whiskey, I have come to know many women whose passion for whiskey is a source of fellowship, networking and appreciation for spirits. We gather to enjoy the craftsmanship of whiskey, but also to develop friendships and support one another’s personal and professional growth.
In recent years, the conversation around alcohol has become so alarmist that it can leave the impression that even a simple wedding toast is something to be feared rather than enjoyed.
Excessive drinking carries real risks and should be addressed honestly. But Ms. Bellafante is right to ask whether, in our zeal to emphasize risks associated with alcohol, we have become reluctant to acknowledge the positive role that moderation and sharing a cocktail can play in strengthening social bonds and enriching our cultural lives.
Erlinda A. Doherty Washington
The post Should Red and Blue States Get a Divorce? appeared first on New York Times.
