A Sun-Times editorial (“Squawking Trump An Intruder In GOP Nest,” July 31) rightly excoriates him for being the opposite of American values and traditions, unfit for office, yet he’s their candidate.
So why have so many embraced this bigoted bamboozler? Have our schools not taught civics enough for voters to see through his rhetoric?
Is it the unacknowledged latent racism he stokes that excites them? Klansman David Duke and his ilk do love Trump.
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Is it the hard times caused by the one-two punch of the Recession and the new economy, leaving the hapless flailing, low on hope?
For years, the GOP Brahmins and their surrogates have fed their faithful a diet of fear, veiled hate and near jingoism, but no share in the increased wealth that went to the top 5 percent. “Trickle-down” economics of the 1980s never trickled down to many people. Republican governors even rejected Obamacare money for their own citizens on Medicaid.
Phony or not, Trump panders to their fears, real or imagined, offering empty promises sure to disappoint, driving the GOP mandarins crazy. Whoever wins, it’s a wake-up call for many in the corridors of power.
Traditionalist groups in both parties are in for a big realignment. Sanders has already converted stand-pat Hillary to a progressive stance. Against reactionary Trump, we may be a new us after November, no matter who wins.
Ted Z. Manuel, Hyde Park
Saluting a Marine
After reading reporter Andy Grimm’s riveting account about the homecoming of Marine Charles Oetjen, who was killed in action 73 years ago on Tarawa — a tiny atoll in the South Pacific which ultimately took 1,696 lives with another staggering 2,100 wounded — it was difficult to keep a dry eye. It was a journey of 73 years and 7,000 miles, but on Friday Charlie came home to Blue Island to be buried next to his parents. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember those who gave their lives so that we could live the American Dream. Charlie will never experience some of the things that we take for granted, never to be a husband to a loved one, never to hear the words daddy, grandpa, good neighbor, etc. A grateful nation will always be thankful that such men as Charles Oetjen lived among us. Welcome home, Marine. Rest in peace. Semper Fi, indeed.
Bob Angone Miramar Beach, Florida
