Letters: Will you go to the movies?

With Monday's Question of the Week, we asked readers if they would visit movie theaters this summer. Here are some of the responses we received.Can't trust it's safeNo, I will not be attending any movies in theaters for the remainder of this year.I do not trust the federal government to be honest about the safety of doing such. This administration has lied to America so many times about many different things.There is no way I will trust anything the Trump administration says.LARRY W. GILBERTJohnson CityHome theater is better, saferIt's been a long time since I went to see a movie in a theater. All the benefits of seeing a movie in a theater can be replicated at home: The big sound, the big screen, the comfy chairs. And at home, I am not bothered by any of the drawbacks: the expensive, over-salted and greasy popcorn, the inconsiderate patrons who text their friends during the movie, the advertisements. And at home, I need not worry that I will be infected by someone who unknowingly spreads the coronavirus.There is no movie that I must see upon its initial release. I can wait for it to be streamed later. Streaming or buying a DVD is cheaper for me.I suppose there will always be some folks who want to go to a theater to see a movie, but I believe their numbers were dwindling before the pandemic accelerated that trend.REV. JEFF BRIEREJohnson CityThis letter we received from a reader about another topic important to him.Think for yourselfI just read that the Minneapolis City Commission has voted to change their city charter to allow the elimination of the police department. This is where Mr. Floyd was killed.City voters will have the final say. Agree or disagree, this is the way democracy works. Thoughtful and meaningful discussions must prevail.The intentional destruction of public and private property and the injection of fear to influence debate cannot stand. People are dying in these protests. Local governments are best suited to address law enforcement policy. Washington politicians getting involved will not improve the situation.Currently, Democrats are not responding to the violence, hoping they can ride that unrest to a victory in November. Republicans are hoping this will all blow over. This is not a time for timidity. Violence has no place in the formation and administration of public policy.I am apolitical. That is a conscious decision I have made. It does not give me any special insight into any particular issue. I do find it liberating. I am naturally skeptical of social justice and political action movements, as well as political parties. Agendas may exist that are not readily apparent.I would highly recommend Rich Manieri's column, "Without empathy, discussions will lead nowhere" in the June 13 edition of The Press. As he puts it, "The advancing of agendas always supersedes the desire for reconciliation."A couple of values my parents taught me are relevant here. 1) Always treat everyone you encounter with dignity and respect. 2) Never let anyone tell you what you believe, you will have to figure that out for yourself.There are many well meaning people involved who have honorable intentions. There are also many political opportunists waiting to pounce. Charlatans are roaming the public square. They will always be there.DAVID MILLERJohnson City