Letters to the Editor: Readers react to Trump and growing crisis with Iran
What a chicken
President Donald Trump is a coward, plain and simple. He has no problem breaking another campaign promise and sending U.S. troops into harm’s way. No address to the nation explaining his rationale. Just tweets. Soldiers will die and he is terrified of appearing in front of reporters to justify his actions. Shameful. A fighter? Don’t make me laugh, he’s a coward.
Ross DeAeth, Lexington
Iran action needed
The Obama doctrine of appeasement is dead. America and Iran have been at war for 40 years with Iran responsible for killing more U.S. soldiers, marines, and diplomats than any other country. President Donald Trump’s strong action was long overdue and was executed in defense of U.S. military personnel and American interests. Iran should have been handled years ago for its violation of international laws, maritime bullying, proxy wars, and hideous crimes against its neighbors. Trump eliminated Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani, one of the most evil terrorists in the world, and should be applauded for his decisive action. Since 1979 when President Jimmy Carter set the stage for the terrorist state of Iran, the mullahs have directed terrorism around the world with impunity. Other presidents placated them, but this president has let it be known America will not tolerate their terrorism. Presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Harry Truman would have approved protection of American lives and property as they, too, acted to protect U.S. citizens. Not today’s Democrats running for president; they wouldn’t defend Americans and be bold in saying so. Trump will protect America and has U.S. families’ safety at heart.
Robert Adams, Lexington
A shifty move
By instigating a war with Iran, President Donald Trump is deflecting attention from his impeachment trial and potential subsequent removal. He also is likely attempting to find a reason and excuse to nullify the upcoming November elections. Sadly, that assessment cannot be easily dismissed.
A war with Iran serves no one, aside from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his country. His gains will be war profits and a monopoly of oil and natural gas over Europe through the deep-water port gifted to him by Trump on the Syrian Mediterranean coast. A war with Iran will only further diminish the United States and literally draw out our blood, and deepen already abysmally deep debts and deficits. Putin/Trump is putting the United States in the same position the USSR was in in Afghanistan; and that was part and parcel of the cause of its collapse.
The only course we have now to save our country is to get rid of Trump. Sen. Mitch McConnell needs to be swept out of the way. Chief Justice John Roberts should remove this jurist who cannot be trusted uphold any oath he has taken from the jury pool and any other function of Trump’s impeachment.
Robert Moreland, Lexington
Lost: courage
If the Trump administration has nothing to hide, then I wonder why so many Republican congressmen and Attorney General William Barr have given up their personal honor and integrity to protect this man who lies each day and does his best to divide our country.
The party they are protecting is not the authentic Republican Party. It is a Donald Trump party.
The president has no respect for the rule of law. He has no respect for the rule of Congress unless he can use it to carry out his personal wishes. Have they forgotten they took an oath to protect the law of the land and the well being of our entire country regardless of party? Have they forgotten about “checks and balances” as part of their responsibilities?
When will they show some courage? I don’t think they want to end up in the history books as dishonored ones who let our country be hurt in so many ways.
Rosemary Powell, Lexington
We need industry
There was a time, years ago, when the United States was a place where an average person could work, play, have a home, a job in a plant or craft, and experience a peaceful place to raise a family. Not rich, not scared, wondering if their livelihood would be taken away to foreign shores. Middle-class neighborhoods were not destroyed. A way of life now only memories to tell their grandchildren.
Make America great again. America will be caught short and plowed under without industry. Being only consumers will be our downfall.
Cheryl Riley, Lexington