Former Sen. Sasse’s illness dreadful; His courage remarkable

Dear Editor,

Having family in McCook, Cambridge and nearby areas, I read the McCook Gazette article “Independent conservative Sasse discloses terminal cancer” (Dec. 24 issue). I have to admit, when I was in Nebraska myself, I often disagreed with some of Sasse’s proposed political platform planks. But now is not the time to quibble over his talking points.

I consider myself “Independent” as a voter, too. But, I tend to vote for the best man that I believe is qualified; sometimes, it may be a Republican; other times, it may be for a Democrat. As the article pointed out, Sasse was a Don Quixote type who didn’t swing at windmills, but, sadly, he was tossing all his jabs at Trump.

Rightly or wrongly, Sasse misjudged.

The Trump era is different. Back in 2016, Donald Trump dealt with the likes of people such as Carly Fiorina, Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton, ex-Gov. John Kasich, ex-Gov. George Pataki, and even former congressman Marco Rubio (among others), who were mown down like a lawn mower. I am not expressing my views on any of these people. All I’m saying is that Ben Sasse was fighting the stiffest headwinds possible.

I salute Mr. Sasse for serving Nebraska; I was a bit surprised when he accepted a job at a Florida College. I had hoped he would stay in Nebraska. However, he, like me, probably enjoys the southern climes for health reasons. I wish him and his family well.

Sincerely,

JAMES A. MARPLES.

LONGVIEW, TEXAS