In response to the October 10 Letter to the Editor, “What the Republican party stands for.”
Indeed the Republican Party platform as presented does contain the key elements in the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution itself is an enduring document with Amendments, provided by the founders to improve the Constitution by defining more rights to the people over time. Among these are #13, which ended slavery, and #19, which gave women the right to vote in 1920.
However, Donald Trump has proven himself to be the opposite of what the founders had in mind when creating the Constitutional framework. Following is a list of just a few of his actions, which have made the US:
Less safe: Withheld early critical information on COVID-19 seriousness from the country, calling it a hoax and not telling us transmission was airborne leading to many more cases and deaths, rejected science and discounted warnings of professionals, promoted unproven and possibly dangerous drugs. Tried to do away with the Affordable Care Act and after almost four years, still does not have an alternative health care plan to replace it.
Less strong: Criticized NATO, weakened alliances with our traditional democratic allies, cozied up to authoritarian strongmen such as Putin of Russia and others, criticized and failed to support the men and women in military service.
Less of a refuge and less of an exemplar of liberty to the world: Has directed the separation of families at the southern border and kept children in cages, claimed total authority for himself over Congress, directed Post Master General to remove mail equipment to slow mail service for mail-in ballots, has interfered in the 2020 Census, and was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power.
Less exceptional: Pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Accord which was created to provide leadership in reducing the adverse effects of climate change which have led to an increase in natural disasters of wildfires, hurricanes, flooding; indicated that he might not abide by the results of the election leading to concerns that he would cause the Supreme Court or the armed forces to intervene in place of the US tradition of a peaceful transfer of presidential power.
Presidential Character and Ethics: Has refused to provide tax returns, refused to divest himself of business financial controls, encouraged voices of racism and misogyny while encouraging white supremacy; has created chaos and blamed others, creating division and distrust between Americans to maintain power.
In her inspiring, Pulitzer Prize winning book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, Doris Kearns Goodwin explores the leadership of four presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson. “At their best, all four were guided by a sense of moral purpose at moments of great challenge, they were able to summon their talents to enlarge the opportunities and the lives of others.” Donald Trump is the opposite.
The Democratic Party has put forth a platform which values: A stronger, fairer economy; affordable, quality healthcare with recovery from COVID-19; protecting communities and building trust by reforming the criminal justice system; combating the climate crisis; a 21st century immigration system; world class education in every zip code. Joe Biden, presidential nominee, comes from a working class background, has empathy for common people, is experienced in national and international issues. Kamala Harris, vice presidential nominee, is a woman of color who has experienced racial discrimination; she is a former attorney general and an accomplished attorney who understands the law and its need for appropriate enforcement. They, like all of us, are not perfect, but with the involvement of the American people, are committed to the continual process of improvement for our country.
Even before COVID-19, our country was frustrated, frayed and divided. In a recent encyclical letter, Pope Francis criticized “myopic, extremist, resentful and aggressive nationalism” in the world. He also called out an “every man for himself “ world view that “will rapidly degenerate into a free-for-all that would prove worse than any pandemic.”
Encouragingly, individuals are coming together to meet (virtually), bravely acting with courage to have difficult conversations to depolarize divisiveness. The goal is to work to move from hatred or distain to respect and understanding. The United States of America and its people are at their best when they are united in a purpose and action greater than themselves, such as during World War II and after 9/11. As the writer of the October 10 letter wrote: “recommitting ourselves to the ideas and ideals that are the true greatness in America.” Let’s try this in Cook County.
Barbara Lund Gabler, Lutsen
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