Reader’s perspective: Blame lumber prices on COVID-19, not Biden

[ad_1]

I see John Phelan and the Center of the American Experiment have decided it is time to convince readers again that the top is the bottom. (Phelan wrote the June 22 An Economist’s View column in the News Tribune, titled Biden, We miss the media due to soaring lumber prices.)

Apparently, the high lumber prices that we have all suffered over the past year are the fault of our new president. Yes, Phelan assures us, COVID-19 played a role, as did the last president’s tariff hike on lumber from Canada. But really, he argued, the blame should be squarely on President Joe Biden’s shoulders. The reasoning ? A vague unsubstantiated threat that the Commerce Department is considering doing something in the future that would raise prices. No actual tariffs to report at this time, of course, which means we continue to face the shortages shaped by COVID-19 and President Donald Trump.

Fortunately for Phelan, there is no shortage of bad faith arguments to build his fantasies. Do not believe me ? Take a look at the Business page of the newspaper for the same day. Entire article on lumber shortage blames COVID-19. No heated rhetoric and no points to score. Thanks to News Tribune for helpfully providing the necessary context!

Andre Streitz

Duluth

Letters are limited to 300 words, must be the original work of the author, and must be exclusive to News Tribune. The letters are edited for style, space, precision and civility.

Letter writers are limited to one submission published every 30 days.

With rare exceptions, the News Tribune does not publish poetry; anonymous letters, defamatory or attacking other writers; consumer complaint letters; thank you letters; or letters generated by political or special interest campaigns.

We will consider Local View exclusive columns of 600 words or less. Authors should have unique ideas and their comments should demonstrate more knowledge of their topic than letters.

Email your submissions to: [email protected]

Mail to: Reader’s Opinions, Duluth News Tribune, 424 W. First St., Duluth, MN 55802.

Fax to: 218-720-5120.

Include a full name, address, and daytime phone number. Only names and hometowns will be published.

[ad_2]