It’s time we stood for integrity

PETE JACOBSON’S letter to the editor, “Changed man in office” (Sept. 5 Journal), seems so transparently false that it is surprising the editorial staff of the Journal chose to publish it. Jacobson claims to have had a conversion from Trump hater to Trump disciple because of a woman whose “insight I highly respect.” This “straw woman” allows Jacobson to see the light and understand that Trump is a changed man with real compassion and integrity.

But setting aside Jacobson’s questionable conversion, the idea that Trump is a decent, if imperfect, man is demonstrably false. Trump supporters are found in the difficult position of defending a man with no compassion or integrity in order to promote the policies they prefer. Trump lies constantly — starting with the inauguration numbers. Trump did not create the separation policy, but he chose to enforce the policy as a terror tactic against immigrants. Trump treats women like chattel — the examples are too many to list here. Trump is boastful and narcissistic. Trump bullies those who disagree with him, including members of his own party and administration. Trump demeans and corrupts the institutions that make our democracy great.

It’s time all of us stood for integrity and honesty in our government. Democrat or Republican, we are Americans first. If we can’t agree on that, then there are darker times ahead. And the times look plenty dark now. MOISES A. GONZALEZ

Albuquerque