More to Trump issue

Re: Nazifying Trump, Rex Murphy, Dec. 1

As Rex Murphy points out, some of President Donald Trump’s detractors use extreme rhetoric to criticize his presidency. But Murphy is also guilty of “abhorrent” journalism in what he overlooks or whitewashes about Trump’s leadership, as do other writers supporting Trump.

It is not just a matter of a “rough style and rowdy address” as Murphy asserts, that are at issue in the U.S. political landscape. Yes, politics are give and take, often in harsh rhetoric. But Trump goes much further than that. And I do think one can legitimately question his take on nationalism and patriotism.

Trump has used the race card regularly in his presidency, whether denigrating individuals or stereotyping immigrant groups. Many of Trump’s comments inflame racial tensions, and he knows how to play on that, usually with a smile on his face.

Trump has also been a persistent fabricator in his presidency. And he enjoys not just responding to his detractors, but doing so in an antagonistic, disparaging manner. He is the master of dismissing the vulnerable, likes calling others weak. But in his bullying others, he reveals who is the real weak one.

Make America great again? Economically, especially for plutocrats maybe, if that can be considered greatness. But morally, I think not.