Concern for America
Dear editor:
Donald Trump won the election believing “government is easy.” Enough people assumed he had the qualifications and voted for him. Liberals lost the election, understandably they’re angry, saddened and some even shedding tears. Many conservatives cry “poor loser, just get over it.” In truth, it’s beyond a feeling of loss and more the feeling of great concern for America.
Trump the campaigner made ridiculous promises that Trump the POTUS cannot keep because they were unreasonable and nonsensical. Do you wonder if he truly realizes the life-threatening consequences of every decision rendered, every word spoken, every executive order has end results, good for some, bad for others? Trump the real estate developer and franchiser walked away from his bad decisions. Trump the president is accountable for every decision made. One inappropriate choice of words can result in a market meltdown, a war, even a nuclear attack that ends all life as we know it.
Mr. Trump’s autocratic views frighten people and many feel a great sense of relief that in the Trump administration’s first 100 days, the checks and balances on branches of government, the courts, Congress and the executive functioned as intended. Should we be worried about Mr. Trump’s shedding the very programs that make America great? Should we be concerned about the administration’s lack of respect for institutions and settled law? I, like many, worry, but I believe in America, I see we have politicians who are sensible, knowledgeable and well-informed, will do whatever necessary to bring order out of the chaos.
Confusion and disorder marked Trump’s first 100 days, witnessed by his executive orders judged unconstitutional by the courts. Republican congressional factions defied him over health care. His “America First” budget, if passed, would make America poorer, dirtier, hungrier and sicker. His budget reshapes the federal government into his own image ballooning the deficit beyond all reason.
His cuts to education will make American students less knowledgeable. He cuts the EPA, making America dirtier, cuts feeding programs, making America hungrier, and cuts Planned Parenthood — eliminating necessary health care for poor women and families.
“America First” is a budget that makes corporations and the rich richer, the country in deeper debt, the poor poorer and cuts vital programs that make America great.
Fifty years ago I heard an Easter sermon delivered by progressive social justice preacher, Tony Compolo. The sermon was called, “After Friday, Sunday’s Comin!” I never forgot its message of hope and over the years, its message of promise and hope has sustained me my whole lifetime. Its message tells us that after death the resurrection, after the storm there is a rainbow, that after despair there is an opportunity for a new start with a renewal of hope.
Do we not remember that for eight years we had Barack with Michelle, Malia and Sasha living in the White House with integrity, intelligent patriotism with love and compassion for all people? They believed in the goodness and greatness of America.
George Lindholm Hot Springs