Re: “Mistreatment of Sessions reveals a lot about Trump” [Opinion, July 18]: I have to disagree with Charles Krauthammer when he says President Trump’s tweets show him to be transparent.
I’d say Trump’s tweets are not honest communications with the American public, but rather designed to create an atmosphere of constant conflict and confusion. They keep The Donald’s “You’re fired” base entertained and cheering him on. But they conceal, rather than reveal, his true agenda.
Trump’s penchant for secrecy and lies about governing is putting our government and nation at great risk. Trump daily assaults the First Amendment. Who has whispered in his ear when he promotes policy that has had no input from the executive branch or the Pentagon, and no open airing or public debate? Within reason, it is OK for a real estate mogul to manage in secrecy. The people’s business, however, must be conducted in the light of day. Open and transparent government is the backbone of a democracy.
The “leaks” that Trump so fervently opposes are generally not matters of national security, but rather matters the people have a right to know. How is this president conducting business? Does he have conflicts of interest? Who is he meeting with, and what kinds of deals is he making? With whom did he have dinner? Are his decisions in the public interest — or in the interests of Trump and his family? His right to privacy as president is limited.
The office of the president and the executive branch should not be patterned on the Mafia, where members swear loyalty to the don. It’s sounding like that’s how Trump envisions it to be. His admiration of Putin hints strongly at his mindset about how leaders are supposed to operate. This man is dangerous. Only a daily fight to keep the spotlight on him will save us. Sen. John McCain just set a good example for us. Citizens and politicians must stand up and do what’s right, not what’s political.
— Judith A. Lewis, Huntington Beach
Trump has got swamp mud on his face
Re: “GOP fears political fallout after ‘epic fail’ on repeal” [News, July 30]: Looks like instead of draining the swamp, President Trump got bit by the mosquitoes and has mud on his face. It’s time to try something different — but please don’t follow Putin’s motto: If you can’t beat them, collude with them.
— Yi H. Doo, Irvine