In reference to Michael McClean's letter, “Time to dump Carney, back Rubino in 23rd,” (July 24), some of us who are retired and on a fixed income vote Republican so we can stay in our homes after working an entire lifetime. We vote conservatively and independently because we simply cannot afford to pay for everything and for everybody who may not have worked and get quite a bit of assistance already. And, what may I ask is wrong with "Trump's America"? I do not see too many Republicans running around and shouting or condoning "burn it down" and then sanctioning property destruction and looting.

I also feel that Devin Carney is exactly the kind of politician who tries to keep a two-party system viable in a blue state. A two-party operation makes for a "diverse" system of opinion that offers debate on issues and certainly is more "inclusive," which, ultimately, in McClean's words, "makes for a stronger and healthier republic."

In addition, I certainly would not refer to columnist David Collins for any kind of unbiased or "factual" reporting.

In closing, just a reminder that "it's hard to stay in business if you give away or burn down the store."

Alice Burbank

Old Lyme