Speaking out

Regarding “Exclusive: Cornyn says Trump missed ‘opportunity’ to unite after Charlottesville melee” (Chron.com, Aug. 18), I would hardly call the “Unite the Right” rally a “melee.” It was the most ugly side of America — racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia — taking to the streets with a green light from the White House.

President Donald Trump’s blaming “both sides” for violence and pointing out “very fine people” on the Nazi and KKK side do not surprise me given his campaign and first seven months in office. But Trump’s insinuation that both sides in Charlottesville are on the same moral plane isn’t “missing an opportunity.” It is un-American and proves he is unfit to lead.

It is unacceptable that my representatives swiftly denounced the white supremacists yet remain silent on Trump’s statements. Cornyn doesn’t think it’s useful to criticize the president? We live in a democracy that relies on respectful dialogue. Cornyn didn’t have any qualms speaking out against President Barack Obama. Aliza Geretz, Houston