While some feel safe, others are fearful

I was very taken by the interview with Donna Hunter of Hebron in the Sunday Dispatch article “Smalltown support.” Hunter is an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, a retired state worker, union member and second-generation descendent of a German immigrant.

I totally get that many ardent Trump supporters have every reason to be angry about being dropped out of the economy and to want to believe Trump’s promise to bring back blue-collar jobs. That’s a really hard pull, however, given the rising wave of commercial robotics and the low price of natural gas (low demand for coal), but some people might hopefully see some improvement in blue-collar jobs in the next four years.

Other ardent Trump supporters, like Hunter, also expressed the hope that Trump would make them feel safer from terrorists and immigrants and changing social norms. Since the election in November, I had hoped that Trump’s supporters would feel better about their lives.

Apparently Hunter does feel much better and safer, and that is a good thing.

I would, however, suggest to Hunter that she ask Trump why it is necessary for many millions of “Americans” who were living here and abroad before the election be put in such great fear so that some of us can feel safer?

I am thinking of the 11 million or so Latinos who now may believe that they can be deported at any time; and any of millions of “not white-skinned” people who now must be more alert to a hate crime; and the number of American children who are in a quandary about their gender ID and may face social ostracism; and the 20 million of our poorer Americans who fear trying to survive without health insurance; and the millions of poor women around the world who must now deal alone with aggressive men and often impending unplanned pregnancy; and the millions of refugees and families frantic to come here; and Jewish communities that are frighteningly reminded of virulent antisemitism; and the millions of us who are on pins every day fearing who will be hurt next.

Maybe Trump will assure Hunter that she doesn’t actually need to worry about terrorism in Hebron, and that she can feel safer without the necessity of millions of others needing to feel less safe.

Randal Morrison Columbus

Ed Bolen President, chief executive officer National Business Aviation Association Washington, D.C.