The politics of aggression

It was good to see some Republican senators at least restive about President Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Mexico. [“Trump says tariffs on Mexico suspended indefinitely, citing immigration enforcement deal,” courant.com, June 8].

This politics of aggression must stop. It is wrong and economically counterproductive, and, as an engine of foreign policy it has served only to alienate allies and demonize nations whose sovereignty deserves as much respect as our own.

Also, the choice of victims is not only selective, it is arbitrary. For instance, National Security Advisor John Bolton’s “troika of tyranny” (Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua) is laughable because it excludes Russia, China, North Korea … and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Or is this all about isolating Cuba and placating ex-pats who tend to vote Republican?

George Will’s recent op-ed “The idea of an aesthetic impeachment” [courant.com, June 3] correctly points out the complicity of congressional Republicans in Trump’s reckless governance, let alone behavior. I hope none of his preferred Brexiteers succeeds Theresa May. What’s his reason for backing them? Has he one? Too bad he didn’t have the chance to sue the European Union!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a registered Democrat, but an American first, who watched with dismay as a field of worthy Republican candidates was mowed down by a “celebrity” of lesser qualifications and questionable integrity. He won and could win again; I have to hope that some who voted for him because understandably they wouldn’t vote for his Democratic opponent will not repeat that mistake.

But what choice will they have? A viable alternative from either party has yet to appear.

James R. Bradley, West Hartford