This was published 8/28/16 in the Desert Sun. Newly minted Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, is the person tasked with turning the Trump campaign around. She already has him doing what Paul Manafort could not make him do; he is apologizing (sort of), changing his stance on deportation and immigration, and reading from a teleprompter. What is not being emphasized, is she led Ted Cruz’ campaign and look how he fared, not so good. Pam McKay Thousand Palms

On Aug 17, 2016 Get to work, GOP If the House and Senate Republicans would start governing and stop going on witch hunts to “get” the Democrats and Clinton, maybe we would have some legislation, like Zika funding. I would like to know how many taxpayer dollars have gone to GOP committees on witch hunts. To date, none of the GOP committees has found anything criminal; they just want to defame Hillary Clinton. Unfortunately, they are acting just like Donald Trump, the prime defamer. First we had the obstructionist tea party stopping legislation, now it is the GOP conspiracy committees. It is time for a change. Pamela McKay, Thousand Palms

On Aug 14, 2016 Just believe your ears When I listen to Donald Trump speak, I am able to understand every word he says. He speaks clearly with no hesitation. So why, after each Trump speech, do the Republican surrogates have to tell us what he really meant? The surrogates trip over themselves to explain Trump away. I contend that what he says is very clear. I think the surrogates should stop spinning it and let the American people believe what he says. Americans are not fools and should not be told that what they heard is not what Trump meant. Pamela McKay, Thousand Palms

Jul 9, 2016, Poor examples The tragedy in Dallas on Thursday is one more example of senseless shootings. The respect for human life seems to have vanished. I think a big part of this is caused by the politicians who treat each other with no respect. The questioning of FBI Director Comey was an example of the lack of respect. The congressional questioners did not ask their questions, they shouted, badgered, made assumptions and accusations and somehow ended with a question. They showed no respect for Mr. Comey. This lack of respect carries into our everyday lives. Donald Trump calls everyone names like a 5-year-old child. I think when the grownups grow up and act respectfully, the citizens of the U.S. will act civilly, too. The example is set from the top down. Pamela McKay, Thousand Palms