Letters to the Editor | Oct. 10, 2024

Bob Woodward’s secondhand account of the relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin may be entirely accurate or not. However, the bottom line for the American people was that Russia did not go to war against its neighbor during the Trump administration. As a street-smart guy and longtime executive, President Trump knew and implemented a strategy of wisdom regarding dealing with foes. It’s centuries old and as new as today. The key phrase is attributed to Sun Tzu and echoed by Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II. It is simply this: Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

Stew Bolno, Philadelphia

We now get credible reportage that Donald Trump secretly supplied Vladimir Putin with COVID-19 tests while Americans were dying of this dreadful disease without access to tests. We also learned that after leaving office, Trump — while illegally retaining presidential records including confidential secret documents — stayed in contact with Putin. (What secret information was shared during the conversations is the natural question.) And we all witnessed at the recent debate Trump’s refusal to support Ukraine in its defense against Putin’s invasion. Can there be any doubt that Trump should have his campaign signs immediately reprinted with the slogan, “Make Russia Great Again”? There’s no doubt in my mind.

Stephen Ulan, Wynnewood

It’s starting to feel a bit biblical in the U.S. these days. It’s not just the COVID-19 plague, flooding, or the Pharisees. Every few days, we see evidence of Donald Trump willing to split our nation in half. Whether it’s preventing help at the border, spreading misinformation and division during Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, calling for mass deportations and violence, or cozying up to Vladimir Putin, it’s all him putting his own interests ahead of the country. It doesn’t take the wisdom of Solomon to see that Trump is a danger to our democracy.

Anne Williams, Audubon

My father served our country and fought in the Korean War. I’m glad he made it home. He doesn’t speak of his memories from that period, though there are days when he is deeply sullen, others catatonic. My brother also joined the Army and was stationed in Alaska until his life was taken in a botched robbery attempt while he lay sleeping. My son turned 18 recently and is now eligible to vote. Though mail-in ballots are permitted, I am excited to accompany him in person to cast our votes in this historic election. My son also registered with the selective service, as required by law. I mention all that to say, my family is as patriotic as anyone else’s.

Whether I decide to drape a flag outside my home or hang one from my truck, how one expresses their patriotism is their own personal decision. Yet, patriotism is being politicized and weaponized. My wish, my prayer (yet to be answered), is one of civility and respect for one another. Please take care of our veterans, as they are the backbone of our freedom. Veterans leaving military service face disproportionately higher rates of poverty, employment barriers, housing instability, trauma, and mental health issues. Fight for them, as they have fought (and died) for you.

K. Mayes, Philadelphia

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