Trump means what he says, don’t forget

In what appears to be yet another confirmation of the toxic nature of the rhetoric being used in the highest levels of immigration policy meetings, President Trump reportedly could not help but express his frustration against immigrants whom he complained came from “shithole countries.” By allowing “these people” to enter the country — and not, for instance, more Norwegians — the United States is, according to Trump’s logic, diluting its greatness.

However, Trump has clearly forgotten what has made this country great: Hardworking and hopeful humans coming from every corner of this Earth — inspiring individuals of countless identities willing to toil their whole lives in the hopes that their descendants might not have to suffer as much as they did. That spirit has made America great, not the intolerant dismissal of entire groups of people based on the perceived greatness of their homeland.

For those who may have been in doubt in 2017, make no mistake in 2018: Trump’s animosity toward those who seem too different to him, too unrefined or just come from “shithole countries” is real. He is saying what he means and he means what he is saying. The ancestors of us who continue to contribute to this country’s greatness fought their entire lives against sentiments like those.

In 2018, we would do well to remember Trump’s words as we fight for a more welcoming America. Neil Decenteceo Gainesville, Fla.

I can understand President Trump’s frustration. We have spent billions upon billions of dollars trying to get these countries on their feet.

All the people who came from the countries Trump mentioned and made lives here and are complaining about his comment should head back over there and make the countries they are defending great again.

Their hypocrisy is huge. Bob Walber Granbury, Texas