To The Editor:
This is a rebuttal to an article written by guest columnist, Carley Wiggins.
2017 has been a very interesting year – However, I, as a citizen and independent voter, would like to offer a different perspective of President Donald Trump’s presidency so far.
It is true, he was a businessman, not a politician, and as time progressed, people would not speak out, regarding his views, but they did think that he should have stayed a businessman.
His way of speaking, his talk, and campaign promises were so far out-of-the mainstream during campaign times, that he readily and easily appealed to the voiceless and the so called forgotten. The coal miners, who felt their jobs were gone for good, his language reflected their lifestyle and family-hood; not knowing this was a Trump strategy, the voiceless fell for it lock, stock and barrel. Never minding his disrespect of women, the lie he told regarding Obama’s birthright. He carried that lie for so many years that people believed him, not knowing that as a businessman, he was known as a pathological liar.
Let’s remember his goal was to undue all of the gains made by President Barack Obama, no matter how successful those laws proved to be notwithstanding healthcare, when 8 million citizens will be without insurance and the Republicans have no plans, that we’ve heard of, to replace the existing health insurance. Are we forgetting our promise that all Americans will be insured, or are the rich Republican donors more important? Let me say, there is nothing wrong in being rich; there is something wrong in balancing the budget on the backs of the middle class.
If the country is in an upswing, it’s because of the policies already put in place during Obama’s tenure let’s remember this president is riding on Obama’s coattails. Let’s not forget that during Obama’s presidency, the right side-of-the aisle refused to help him answer or comply with any bill hetried to pass.
In my opinion, the unpopular, recently passed tax law will destroy the middle class and further enrich the top 5 percent who are well-off, well-connected, and well-established.
You’re right, the average middle-class family has been the backbone of this country’s wealth – will this remain? Millennial’s are aware of this fact, and they are making their presence known by speaking out in their respective communities, regarding issues that reflect the needs of black and brown people. Their advocacy gives them a seat at the table for public opinions, and in the opinion of most, this president will lead us into a North Korean war, and in my opinion, those who feel he has so-called backbone to stand up to Kim Jong-un, speaks more to his radicalism and self-absorption which will take us down a path of destruction. What has happened to diplomacy? It used to be the mark of great leaders. Many Republicans are afraid that his rhetoric will escalate terror at home and embolden our enemies around the world.
Many of Trump’s voters were handed a bill of goods that carried no weight. This businessman’s strategy worked. He has managed to polarize our country at home, instead of offering a peace mission which is the goal of every president.
He has down-played the positive contributions of this country’s immigrants, and instead, is in the process of closing the borders of a country who has always welcomed those seeking a better way of life.
Again, I am offering a different perspective of how many view Trump’s character, his policies and how he has painted a picture of gloom and doom for many here in the USA.
We must stay prayerful and remind ourselves that this situation will not remain and that there are better days ahead. So let’s hang on for the ride in 2018.
Peace and Goodwill,
Rachel Covington-Banks
507 S. 6th Avenue
Dillon, SC. 29536