I like America, too

Maryville Forum, and Mr. (Larry) Anderson:

I have considered responding to your columns many times over the past months. Let me be clear: I see the world vastly different from you: I see the answer to our problems as love, unity, common good, and collaboration, not hatred/fear/vitriole. For whatever reason, I have not responded to date. I truly believe that one of the strengths of a democracy is that everyone be allowed to voice their opinion.

Having said that, the title of your recent column tipped me over the edge, and spurred me to respond. I like America, too. So, I have to ask: is a President who sides with Putin over our own intelligence a patriot, someone who loves America? Is a President who dismisses, or ignores credible reports that the Russians have placed bounties on American soldiers’ heads a patriot? Is a President who, again by credible accounts, labels our military “suckers” and “losers” a patriot? Is a President who acknowledges the seriousness of a public health threat in private interviews, yet trivializes it to the American public, a patriot? There are so many examples I could cite: it pains me greatly to say this, but I don’t know that our President loves, or even likes, America, other than to the extent it serves his own personal interests.

We share a common bond: we like/love America. That’s why I write: not to be confrontational, but because I am very concerned for the America we love. By definition, a leader does not think first of his/her own personal interests; rather, first thought is what is best for those they serve. I don’t see that in our current President.

I’m all in; I’m willing to do whatever I can to preserve/protect what we love about America, realizing it’s not about me, but the preservation of our great tradition. I only hope our leadership can make the same commitment.

–– Sincerely,

Jerry Wilmes

Maryville