To the editor:
As the COVID-19 pandemic surges to a climax that dominates the remaining weeks of his presidency, Donald Trump’s behavior has become increasingly egregious as he perpetuates a leadership vacuum with a country that is essentially on a war footing.
The president has abandoned his responsibilities and incomprehensibly makes no public mention of the 3,000 daily deaths from the coronavirus.
President Trump might have been able to salvage his reputation by ending his term with a show of leadership and interest with regard to vaccines. If he had coupled leadership with even a belated demonstration of empathy for victims, perhaps he would be positioned to gain even a modicum of respect as he exits the White House.
Instead, Trump has been completely disconnected from the reality of an out-of-control pandemic and is consumed with the futility of overturning the election, ensuring that as Jan. 20 approaches, his scarred legacy becomes increasingly more embedded.
Roger Hirschberg, Bondville, Vt.
