The ignorant bullying behavior of Trump and Hegseth

Trump would feel more at home in Tehran than Washington, since during this first term while the George Floyd protests were going on he asked an adviser, “Can’t we just shoot the protestors?”
Trump has no problem with protestors being shot in America, but then he cares about protestors being killed in Iran. Please!
Trump and Hegseth are classic bullies who just want to “win” a “war” against a smaller nation that is defenseless to U.S. weaponry. They are both getting very intoxicated from the diseased belief that having powerful “war” weaponry equates with “war” accessibility. And that justice coincides with military might. Trump and Hegseth think the freedom to “war” comes from your ability to do “war.”

A ”war” between the U.S. and Iran – who would you be cheering for? The U.S. government murdering 500,000 defenseless and innocent Iraqis in a phantom “war” that was nothing more than innocent Iraqis trying to defend themselves, or the Iranian government that murders defenseless protestors?
A “war” between two murderous governments. Who would you cheer for?
Frank Erickson,
Minneapolis, Minnesota

America’s Turn

Now it is our turn, all of us
Who thought we were immune
From thugs in the streets, tear gas –
From the official badge, the official gun.

While the Statue of Liberty yet stands
And the Lincoln Memorial abides,
Masked men in our neighborhoods, whole bands
Break down the doors where the frightened hide.

“It can’t happen here.” Once, it seemed true.
“Never again,” our fervent vow.
And we proudly raised the red, white and blue
Never foreseeing what’s happening now.

A madman rousing the worst in men
So easily conned to believe in lies.
And we wake to see it happening again.
But the dull refuse to believe their own eyes.

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell,
The Constitution, the Bill of rights,
And all the graves of those who fell.
Ah, we had our day. We’ll have our nights.
Jane Whitledge
Duluth, Minnesota

No need to watch: We already know what the Dumbass in Chief will say
Looking in my crystal ball, I predict Trumpenstein’s State of the Union rant will be pure garbage. Propaganda, not facts.

1. Economy: Trump will claim he  and he alone – caused a “booming” economy.  The benefits of growth have disproportionately gone to the wealthy, while working families continue struggling with high costs, stagnant wages and rising inequality. Real economic strength comes from empowering workers, supporting small businesses and investing in the future — not giving tax breaks to billionaires.

2. Democracy and the Rule of Law: He’ll likely boast about “law and order” while continuing to attack judges, prosecutors and anyone who holds him accountable. True leadership means respecting our Constitution, not undermining it. No one is above the law, not even Der Fuehrer

3. Immigration: Expect more inflammatory BS about “open borders” and threats to safety. The truth is that immigration is a complex issue that demands real policy solutions, not fearmongering. America has always thrived because of immigrants who contribute to our economy, culture and communities.

4. Foreign Policy: While Trump claims strength abroad, his record shows chaos and inconsistency that weakened America’s alliances and emboldened dictators. Real strength comes from stable leadership, diplomacy and defending democracy worldwide — not cozying up to authoritarian figures.

5. Vision for America: Trump’s message is rooted in grievance and nostalgia for a past that never truly existed. Our future should be built on unity, equality, innovation and justice for all — not division and resentment.
M. Arnold Bowen
Duluth, Minnesota