Reader stands by comments on Trump

Independent Newsmedia

OPINION — In response to Katharine Hanson’s opinion letter of Dec. 10, 2025, I’m amused that she feels I have “fanned political friction” through hyperbole concerning President Trump’s actions over the last several months.

She states my claim of cuts to pediatric cancer research funding are unsubstantiated, yet these cuts are very easy to substantiate as they were front page news as recent at September 2025 as shown in https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/federal-funding-cuts-to-pediatric-brain-cancer-research-taking-away-hope-from-families.

In addition, I believe President Trump is the primary “fanner of political friction” when he refers to some Americans and/or immigrants as “vermin, scum and garbage.” Such language degrades these people as well as the office of the presidency. I also stand by my charge of cruelty when it comes to the withholding of SNAP benefits for the poorest Americans. What kind of president wants his people to starve?

She further states that Mr. Trump has ended several wars — a claim he makes as well. He claims to have ended eight wars so far but a closer look shows that although he has done some ceasefire negotiations, many of those ceasefires have failed, including Israel and Hamas, Cambodia and Thailand, and Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Only Armenia and Azerbaijan have given him credit for ending their war. Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/05/donald-trump-8-wars/87620424007/.

Also, the fact that he has practically abandoned Ukraine is a huge blow to our own democracy and to our European Allies. Our standing in the world has been greatly diminished under his leadership.

In closing, all I can really say is that it’s nearly impossible to maintain civil and constructive discourse with those who believe President Trump is a demi-god who is above the law. Our First Amendment rights are quite literally on the line under this administration, and I fear for our future as a democracy.

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