Saturday letters: Consulting with cyclists; wisdom of a true debate

Cyclists should be consulted about path extension

As an avid cyclist, I read the front-page article about extending Narragansett’s William C. O’Neill Bike Path with great interest ("A Path Forward?" News, July 1).

I have ridden that path a few times, but am not thoroughly acquainted with the area. Yet to me, a glaring omission from the article is any mention of consulting with local bicyclists about the extension. It’s great that state and local governments seek to add to and improve our bicycling infrastructure. But in many cases the final product leaves cyclists wondering who designed it, and were any actual bicycle enthusiasts asked for their opinions.

Many times when a safe thoroughfare for bicycles doesn’t exist … cyclists find one. The route for this path extension that authorities are looking for may already exist. Would it be so hard to conduct an open meeting with local cyclists and use their experience and input for this project? There’s a good chance that they have the answer.

Charles T. Tamori, Portsmouth

Two different debating styles

Oh so many decades ago, I served on the Hope High School Debate Society, which brought me some honors upon graduation.

What I observed during the controversial conversation between our president and our former President Trump was the dignity of our leader's words and bearing vs. the aggressive expression of his challenger.  I worry about the future of leadership not because of the age of the candidates but rather because of the tone of voice of our speakers.

We used to visit the schools throughout Rhode Island, and were taught by our vice president, Frederick Hawkins, how to switch sides to widen our political views, and thus learn how to listen and rebut with logic and respect.  I suspect that the advertisements on the mass media of our gadget overloaded culture do damage to our voters because they overvalue noise, and thus rush us to judgments without contemplation and consideration.

And by the way, I won the Dennis Award and then, tragically, I served as pallbearer at the funeral of our debate director.

So, to sum up, I shifted toward President Biden, not despite the debate, but because of it.

Mike Fink, Providence

Ego and politics

I’ve maintained that there are only three reasons to remain in politics: Power, ego, money.  Maybe there are some noble reasons for getting into politics, but that grows old quick.

I’ve always though Donald Trump had an out of control ego until Joe Biden just revealed his true colors.  For the people who surround Biden, I’m sure it’s power and money. But for Biden, what kind of an out of control ego does he have to think he should be president for another 4 years?

John E. Anderson, North Scituate

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Saturday letters: Consulting with cyclists; wisdom of a true debate