Let’s hope Trump changes his ways
In his March 12 commentary, Tom Flickinger seems to subscribe to the same “altered reality” as President Trump.
Flickinger praised Trump’s Cabinet selections. They are a mixed lot, some appropriate, some not, all seemingly persons of wealth. He also praised Trump’s children. As best we know, they have chosen to be respectable citizens. Unfortunately, the good qualities of the children have little relevance to the aptitude and competence of a parent.
Flickinger also criticizes the media, but the media is not a single colossus, but a hyrdra with extensions both liberal, conservative and extreme. Its core mission is to convey correct information. Facts are absolutes. Individuals may deny absolutes – they may disagree with their implications, but truth is immutable. “Alternative facts” provide comfort, not validation.
Flickinger also cites the controversy around Trump’s travel ban, and it should be noted that maligned immigrants have spent 18 months being subjected to inquiries and investigations. More than three-fourths of them are women and children. Wanting our children to be safe and fed is not criminal; causing children to die is.
As for the demonstrations that Flickinger noted, clips from his campaign rallies show Trump utterly lacking in civility. As our national model of an exemplary man, Trump has failed. The vast majority did not vote for him, there is no mandate, and he was elected by a quirky entity called the Electoral College.
Like Flickinger, the non-demonstrating populace wishes for peace and stability. We wish every president well, but, at the same time, pray that Trump’s uncontrolled, incorrect tweets are replaced soon by responses based on a knowledge of law and government. Even more important are responses based upon reason and an awareness of the consequences.
To date, this narcissistic showman has not altered his performance to reflect the extraordinary role his supporters have given him. Let’s hope he can.
Dorothy Acciai
Washington