To the editor:
President Trump’s decision to allow U.S. troops deployed at our southern border to use potentially deadly force against asylum seekers darkens the taint of cowardice and weakness that he has cast upon the American people.
The world sees the contrast between certain European nations rescuing refugees from the waters of the Mediterranean, making space for hundreds of thousands of desperate families, and reaffirming the Christian, Jewish and Islamic values of mercy, charity and the sanctity of human life.
Yes, many of those nations are feeling the pressure and facing difficult choices regarding refugees; no nation has unlimited resources to succor the suffering. But Trump’s America does much worse—it is not only rejecting those who need help, but also demonizing and threatening them.
Combine this with Trump’s friendliness toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and his defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the world can assume Americans are cowering in fear.
E.J. Parker, Long Beach
Note from KBJ: How many of the "refugees" are you taking into your home and neighborhood, E. J.? Have you thought this through, or are you simply expressing your hatred for our president, who is charged with protecting Americans?
