A Fourth-of-July Fiasco: Trump’s Pricey ‘Salute’
This was the saddest Fourth of July I can recall (“A grand ol’ party in DC for USA,” July 3).
On a day we celebrated how our ancestors declared independence, choosing democracy over monarchy, we are living through the nightmare of a president who views himself as a king.
His most recent decision to turn the July Fourth “Salute to America” into a celebration of himself, as well as to ignorantly and insensitively suggest that migrants in custody “are living far better now” should be the last straw for all decent and patriotic Americans — regardless of political party and ideology. Richard Cherwitz Austin, Texas
I was feeling patriotic and proud as President Trump and First Lady Melania begin a well-justified salute to our country on the day that celebrates its birth as a nation.
Having lived through 14 presidents, my husband and I have seen many parades that celebrated America’s might and freedoms. And no one ever complained.
Shame on these Democrats who celebrate the invaders at our southern border, and ignore citizen children and families.
No wonder hatred flourishes in this country. Democrats fuel it every moment of every day. It is so obvious, and frequent their attacks mean nothing. Patricia O’Hanlon The Bronx
Trump saw fit to spend millions in taxpayers dollars on a military parade that won’t do anything to help the hundreds of thousands of veterans who are homeless across the country.
If the parade wasn’t being used as a political fashion, the Trump administration might have been able to use the celebration in a more responsible way by promoting American-made products and helping homeless vets.
This would have showcased not only America’s strength, but the true spirit of our nation. William Booker Park, Ill.
Democrats support free college tuition, student loan forgiveness, the Green New Deal, medicare for all, including illegal aliens, reparations, etc., but then complain about the $2.5 million cost for the July Fourth “Celebration of America” event. Priceless. Paul Pollio Denville, NJ
As a reality star, Donald Trump has always loved pageantry. He was inspired by a Bastille Day celebration in Paris that he attended in 2017.
How the draft dodger loves military parades. He thrives on personal attention and adulation.
At great taxpayer expense, he ordered his administration to organize a July Fourth extravaganza, with tanks rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue chewing up the road.
This showcase is a crass political stunt to launch his 2020 reelection campaign. Jagjit Singh Los Altos, Calif.
I don’t agree with everything Trump does. I surely do not like everything he says. However, the mainstream media spends more than 90 percent of their coverage of the president in the negative area.
Case in point, the great deal of time spent prior to July 4 telling Americans how bad the Washington parade would be. They decried the self-serving political speech Trump was going to give before he even gave it.
The celebration was fabulous. The speech honored America and outstanding Americans while showcasing and thanking the military of the United States.
The same media that bashed the events in advance, for the most part went silent after they were completed. Why? Because there was nothing negative to say. John Metallo Slingerlands
The July Fourth parade was financed with National Park Service funds of approximately $2.5 million.
This money is used to maintain the various national park sites for the benefit of all Americans.
However, the money instead went to fund the unnecessary parade and satisfy our president’s appetite for excess.
The White House distributed VIP tickets for the parade to Republican donors and political allies, treating the parade as a political event for Trump. Herb Loring Brooklyn