I was optimistic as I read the March 21 opinion letter (“Immigration heritage should unite Americans”), which cites immigration as a unifying force for Americans.
Unfortunately, it quickly devolved into a Trump apologetic and an exercise in cherry-picking facts. I won’t go through all the instances but offer a few examples.
(President Donald) Trump’s signing of the First Step Act as a major win for minorities. This legislation has been a mixed bag; however, the original version did not include the provision that ultimately released those black inmates. It was only included when dozens of organizations urged Democratic lawmakers to vote against the bill unless Republicans included it. Trump grudgingly signed it at (Jared) Kushner’s urging.
The HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) funding that had Trump proclaiming “I saved the HBCUs” was a continuation of the exact same funding established by President (Barack) Obama, without the attendant hyperbole.
The writer asks, Where is the evidence of Trump’s racism?
• In 1973, Trump was sued for refusing to rent apartments to Blacks.
• In 1989, he called for the death penalty for the Central Park 5, who were later exonerated.
• In the ‘90s, he made remarks characterized as “obscene, indecent and profane racial slurs” against the Mashantucket Pequots.
You might argue that those are ancient history. Well, let’s look at more current events then (not a comprehensive list):
• Proposed Muslim ban.
• Calling Mexican immigrants criminal and rapists, all without any evidence.
• Asked why we have so many immigrants from “shithole countries” (Haiti, Africa).
• Called the coronavirus the “Chinese virus” and “Kung flu.”
• Declared Kamala Harris unfit to run for vice president (reminiscent of birther claims against Obama, proven false).
• His failure to denounce white supremacists and neo-Nazis after a violent rally in Charlottesville, Va.
It boggles my mind that after all he’s put us through in the four years of his “reign” and the ensuing years of chaos and divisiveness that anyone would still consider him a viable candidate.
This is magnified by his recent rally appearances, where he has shown significant cognitive decline. This is attested to by several prominent psychiatric professionals saying he is showing clear signs of dementia. His rhetoric has increasingly become more vindictive and dark.
All this in stark contrast to the productive, enlightened term Joe Biden has put together. But that’s a topic for another letter.
Manny Braun
Stockholm