In response to “Trump’s accomplishments”

Reading the article by Sharon Reiss extolling Trump’s “accomplishments,” [“Criticism of Trump ignores accomplishments,” Feb. 8] I was reminded of the description of opinions (sanitized for this publication) as being like that part of the human body through which solid waste is eliminated (in the vernacular this word begins with an “a” and ends with an “e”), viz., everyone has one, and other people’s usually stink.

Several of what this woman thinks of as accomplishments I view as actions to be ashamed of or deeply regretted, such as pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord, passing a tax bill that in the long run will almost certainly hurt far more people than it helps, moving the U.S> embassy in Israel to Jerusalem (a highly controversial decision which again will cause more problems than it solves), and focusing on the “safety” of Americans over that of immigrants.

She also cites the rise in the stock market, which even I, as an amateur, knew wouldn’t hold (as proven by the drop in this past week). So I do not view most of his actions as accomplishments, but rather the opposite. She then states, at least, that she wishes he would act more “presidential.”  I wish he would act more like a decent human being instead of the narcissistic, bigoted, misogynistic, vindictive, impulsive (need I go on) man that he is.

I continue to be ashamed to have someone like him in the White House, and I don’t know that anything he accomplishes (not that I expect much along these lines) is likely to change how I feel about this. He elicits and condones hatred of the worst kind, and I only hope that beginning with the midterm elections in November and we will see a rising tide of change in Congress, and then, in 2020, in the White House, which may in fact move us back towards a country of which we can have at least a degree of pride.

Marc R. Inver

Lafayette Hill

Let me first say that if anyone is creating the divisiveness in America it is Trump and company! He is constantly tweeting out his lies and misinformation that play to his base. I could go on about this subject, but it would require too much print space. Instead, let me address some points with regard to "accomplishments.”

Whatever successes Trump is claiming against Isis are actually a product of the Obama Administration approach.  One exception is that Trump relaxed the regulations that were designed to prevent civilian casualties which led to a larger number of strikes on ISIS targets (and undoubtedly, an increase in civilian casualties).

As for the Federal judge appointments, the majority are white men – reversing the trend for diversity.  Since Federal judgeship is for life, and his appointments are relatively young, he is effectively freezing the demographic and ideological composition of the bench for decades.

The top 1 percent are the real beneficiaries of the tax bill recently passed.  True, for the first few years, a lot of taxpayers will feel that they're benefitting.  This is a big win for Trump and family both personally and politically, despite his constant promise that he and the rich will not benefit.

The individual tax relief is set to expire while the corporations tax cuts are permanent.  It's that failed "trickle down" theory once again. Meanwhile, the deficit increases with the Republicans in control of all branches.  In addition, the repeal of the ACA individual mandate could leave as many as 13 million fewer insured over the next 10 years and increase premiums an average of 10 percent.

As for the VA, prior to Trump taking office, the Harvard Business Review cited new same-day services at all VA hospitals as evidence of notable progress under former VA Secretary Bob McDonald.  Trump, as usual, exaggerates his accomplishments and not only does not give any credit to the previous administration but instead is very critical of it whenever he can find an opening.

There's a lot more I could say;however, I don't think there would be room in the newspaper if I did so I'll leave it at this:

Let's all find a way to stitch back our democracy 'cause it's kind of frayed.

Maria Duca

Chestnut Hill

Sorry for Buttenwieser’s passing

I was saddened to learn of the death of Peter Buttenwieser in the recent Local. Among the many recipients of his generosity, we can count a small donation to Mt. Airy Learning Tree.  He was one of a few people to give to MALT before it started. Without his early support for community education, MALT would have had a much harder time beginning to offer courses to the community. He will be remembered fondly.

Barbara Bloom