Dear Editor,

With the support of about 80 percent of white Evangelical Christians, Donald Trump and the Republican party took control of the U.S. government this year with the stated goal of “Make America Great Again.”

Thus far, some of the accomplishments include:

– Along with many other federal employees, people in charge of preventing fraud in government have been fired;

– Basically, USAID (a program started by President Kennedy). USAID provided foreign aid, including food and medical assistance to foreign counties unable to sufficiently provide for their citizens. Consequently, it’s expected large numbers of people will die of starvation and lack of medical care;

– A “big beautiful bill” has been passed that will result in ending health insurance and food assistance for millions of poor Americans, but at the same time, giving wealthy Americans tax breaks. Also, the bill creates trillions of dollars of debt;

– Government assistance for medical research and numerous programs designed to improve life for many has ended. This includes many programs led by religious organizations;

– Grants to colleges and universities have been cancelled, with one of the expectations being that fewer people will be able to attend higher education;

– Many people (non-citizens) have been removed from our country even when here legally;

– Programs and policies geared toward limiting discrimination have ended;

– Transgender members of the military have been discharged regardless of the length or quality of their service to our country.

It’s my understanding our presidents serves without a salary. Therefore, he supports himself, partially, through the sale of cryptocurrency, million-dollar luncheons, sales of Bibles, watches, shot glasses and other items.

The sale of Bibles and what are seen as accomplishments making America “great” reminds me of reading about Thomas Jefferson working on revising the Bible by removing all the miracles. I haven’t read a Trump Bible, but I wonder if it has removed all verses regarding qualities of a good leader and verses regarding empathy for others, importance of honesty, love thy neighbor, helping the poor, etc.

(Submitted by)

Dan Dildine,

Troy