Donald Trump’s incendiary comments about all those he and his misled flock consider “the other” continue. These never-ending attacks will become an irreversible stain on Trump and his campaign. His legacy? Poisoning democratic principles, supporting an insurrection and expressing despicable hatred that has taken us back to the Civil War era.
He has consistently reserved his most vile words for immigrants (e.g., calling Mexican immigrants “rapists”), and his foul language disease has spread and is rampant among his followers. Trump is the green light that white nationalists, supremacists and racists wanted.
The campaign’s use of violent language and personal attacks has increased as we draw closer to Election Day. Laced with profanities and mockeries, the latest Trump rally was clear in continuing the great national divide.
Listening to speakers at the recent Madison Square Garden gathering spewing blatant hate left me feeling raw and nauseous. This time, the dais was packed with speakers showing us how to “Make America Great Again” by using their nano-second of fame to dehumanize Puerto Ricans, Latinos, African Americans, Jews, women and immigrants. These speakers demonstrated that they were in lockstep with their egomaniacal leader.
Fortunately, Election Day is approaching, and the daily dose of hate can end. We can move forward and beyond Trump’s dungeon of ignorance and bigotry. The nation can return to civility in the public square and respect for and from the next person who sits in the Oval Office.
— Esther Nieves, Chicago
Record worse than the Sox’s
I’m still voting for Donald Trump because Kamala Harris‘ record is worse than our White Sox. But I have to question the Trump campaign team for letting a not-very-funny “comedian” get near Madison Square Garden, much less share the stage.
— Sam Karambelas, Lincolnshire
The state of our economy
To all those like writer Tom Gregg (“Economy is No. 1 issue for me,” Oct. 28) who say the economy is the primary issue in this election, they should be aware that the economy has largely made it through the COVID-19 inflation period and is again on the upswing. Interest rates have gone down. Unemployment is low. Prices have stabilized, albeit at a higher level. Wages and Social Security payments have increased.
Whoever wins this election will inherit a very healthy economy indeed.
— Frank L. Schneider, Chicago
Democracy the main issue
For Tom Gregg and others who think economy is the central issue in this upcoming election, think again. Democracy is on the line. That is the main issue.
Other letters in the Oct. 28 issue describe this issue clearly — that Trump will be a dictator on day one. Remember that Trump still thinks the election of 2020 was stolen from him, and he didn’t welcome the newly elected president in 2021.
Trump’s own people call him a fascist. Democracy is the issue of the day, not the economy, though that is very important as well.
On that issue, remember the 2017 tax bill that Trump was proud to sign into law. It is a bill that rewards billionaires and makes the rest of us pay more taxes. Remember that Trump wants to deport millions of people who will include U.S. citizens. That will send our economy reeling downward. He also speaks of tariffs. That of course makes consumers pay more for consumer items. That is an economic issue.
Trump does not read. He knows nothing about economic issues either.
— Janice Gintzler, Crestwood
Thoughts on the economy
In an Oct. 28 letter, Tom Gregg states that the economy is the No. 1 issue for him and that if Kamala Harris and Tim Walz can’t show him a vision, or what he’s missing with regard to progress and prosperity, he’s going to vote for Donald Trump. Some thoughts on that:
Trump was handed a good economy from President Barack Obama. Through no fault of his own, there was a pandemic, and one can argue whether he handled it properly or not, but there is no denying that the economy suffered as a direct result of it. Inflation was likely caused by too much money being pumped into the economy, but if Gregg or anyone else who was receiving a check from the government to be able to pay their rent or buy food, was complaining at the time, I sure didn’t hear it.
The Federal Reserve has taken steps to reduce inflation and has gotten it down to just over its preferred rate of 2%. I mention this because it is not the president’s job to deal with inflation, but the Federal Reserve’s. The U.S. economy remains the leading economy in the world and the envy of nations everywhere.
There is this notion, I’ve heard, that Trump, as a great businessman, is better equipped to handle the economy. If being involved in at least four bankruptcies and losing money operating a casino (how is that even possible?) makes you a great businessman, I am simply at a loss for words.
Harris has presented an economic plan, as has Trump. Economists have noted that Trump’s will increase the federal debt far more than Harris’ and that his notion that, through the use of tariffs, costs will come down for consumers because the exporting countries will pay the tariffs totally misses the point. Costs will rise because importers will pass along their increased cost of goods to consumers.
Oh, and by the way, if Trump deports farm workers and those working in meat plants, restaurants, etc., jobs that Americans don’t want to do, watch the prices of fruits, vegetables, meat and dining out skyrocket too.
The economy is in a good place today. There is no denying that people have suffered, but that simply cannot be laid at the feet of the Biden-Harris administration alone. Now, the challenge is to keep the economy humming and strong. Trump is not the answer to that.
— David Grossman, Chicago
Candidates’ thoughts on issues
Like letter writer Larry Craig (“Where is discussion of issues?” Oct. 28), I read both Chicago newspapers and have for many decades. Unlike him, I am happy to see both papers not being “staunch” anything, but basing editorial opinions on the reality of what the two candidate for president represent. Both papers have published extensive coverage based on the candidates’ thoughts on the issues.
Obviously, there is “some really important stuff that affects all of us,” which is why we can take only one candidate seriously. The other is mainly concerned with insults, bullying, clowning, lying and self-gratification and has not offered much information, other than there’s a “concept,” on his plans for solving the many important issues facing our country.
Additionally, the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsement of candidates for local, county and state offices crosses party lines. I appreciate that.
— Lenore Bernstein, Northbrook
Do youths know difference?
I am curious as to what percentage of our country’s youths knows the difference between fascism, communism, socialism and democracy. I would hope that, as they cast their ballots, they comprehend which type of authority they wish to govern them.
From what I’ve witnessed over the last several months, it seems that a high percentage of adults definitely do not know the difference. Oh, by the way, some political candidates are shamelessly unaware too. Is our educational system not teaching civics anymore, or is the public just too lazy to learn the benefits and detriments of each political system?
It’s never too late to learn — it’s everyone’s future.
— Sam Solomon, Deerfield
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
