To the Editor:
It seems that you are trying to redirect our political discussions into a Man of La Mancha contest between Good and Evil to avoid the “raw political controversy” realities of Trumpian America. Certainty, even in the face of conclusive evidence to the contrary, is your sacred state, politically and theologically, for there can be no doubts or disputes in certainty. I can understand the attraction, but for the possibility of error.
Our disagreements have been about whether current political acts and policies are strengthening our American Constitutional promise, or defiling it, with examples of how that is happening. Being “godless” (in your exclusively Christian definition) doesn’t equate with “conscienceless,” and neither of us qualifies to speak from a pulpit. Differences of opinion on anything – theology, politics, music, art, plastic surgery, etc., are essential to discourse among free people. As long as there is no persecution or force for one view or another, it is a part of sentient life.
American allies are increasingly worried that US inability to use military superiority to produce a more cooperative Iran has shown our vulnerability to the world. Last week Trump declared the US is “locked and loaded” to “unleash power not seen since WWII,” but backed off when Saudi Arabia “talked him down” for fear of dramatic escalation. This is where we are: a murderous Muslim dictator – not WH staff - “talked down” POTUS from a terrible, violent attack, so that Trump would not completely destroy whatever peace remains in the area. His world stature has largely dissolved. He is taking America with him, to a place we did not need to go.
Unfortunately, and tragically, this president is infamously incapable of reconsidering a position or admitting an error. He is still investigating and prosecuting people over his 2020 defeat. I fear what Trump will do, as he appears to have no internal or external guardrails. His power is a plaything for him. He has dismissed war casualties as “unfortunate.” At home, we are approaching rapid economic crises, with no sign of relief because “affordability is fake news”, even as Americans face rising national debt and prices, and proposed new taxes proposed to fund his War. The Military Times reports a new “streamlined” Selective Service process begins in December 2026, that could make the draft a reality.
The NYT’s Nicholas Kristoff conducted multiple interviews with residents of red states about the current American experience. They told him that they struggle to buy necessities, have no savings, have pennies in the bank, and have no health care or insurance. Addressing Trump, one Oklahoman said, “You don’t know how it feels to struggle. Live in my shoes for one day. You wouldn’t be able to handle it.” Almost everyone was furious about Trump’s “luxurious lifestyle” and grifts, and several reported “selling their own blood” as they broke down in tears. They were likely unaware that the Republican “Big Beautiful Bill” will reduce SNAP and Medicaid benefits after the midterms. They had believed his promise for a place at the table of a Great New America. And he plans to not need their votes in November, one way or another.
With the present configuration of Congress, the only current remedy to this serious state of affairs is for the Republican Party to take Constitutional responsibility for its choice, as they have failed to do to date, before even more damage is done. Our Constitution provides legal, non-violent processes to remove a mentally or morally compromised president acting far outside our national interests. There will be a point of no return.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca.