To the Editor:
A recent letter writer complained that criticism of Trump supporters did a disservice to millions of Americans. He claims that Trump voters just wanted the “political shift” Trump represents along with economic stability and a government “that puts the economic well-being of its own citizens first.”
Trump supporters and voters do share the responsibility for both the “shift” and the actions of the current administration. They had a choice between a notorious con-man who is an adjudicated sex offender and convicted felon verses a respected former federal prosecutor, senator and vice president. They chose the crook and sex offender.
Let’s start with the “political shift” that includes calling anyone who disagrees with Trump an enemy and consistent demeaning and demonization of people. The divisiveness seen in the country is largely the consequence of the Trump political shift. Trump consistently sets up a “we vs. them” narrative to divide one citizen against another. This poisoning of political discourse is a Trump priority.
Another part of the political shift is demonizing a subgroup and setting up Gestapo-type “enforcers” to terrorize the subgroup. ICE officers seem to be heading in the direction of killing more U.S. citizens and legal residents than those harmed by any of the millions of undocumented folks in the country. President Biden actually deported more people than Trump, but without the deliberate cruelty.
As far as economic stability and concern for the wellbeing of U.S. citizens, neither has been forthcoming from Trump. His arbitrary tariffs have increased prices on a range of food and other products. Trump is on video saying he likes inflation. He claims that prices are going down, but the reality is things cost more than they did before he took office. The only people who have seen any substantial economic benefits from the Trump administration are the billionaires, who have seen their taxes cut dramatically. This has contributed more to the national debt than we have seen under any previous administration.
Speaking to reporters before a recent trip to China, Trump said, “I don’t think about American’s financial situation — not even a little bit.” If you cast your vote for him expecting him to lower your cost of living, you were conned.
Myrna Campbell
Waynesville