Replying to Jose C. Coronado’s letter published April 3, the claim that “believers are not allowed to go to school and pray during class time” is not correct. Students have the right to call on their favorite deity at any time and location.
Having teachers or administrators lead prayer is a violation of government-church separation. My advice to students: study for tests, rather than pray.
James Laursen
Mission
Trumpism
criticized
It amazing to me how Donald Trump has mesmerized so many Americans. A man whose many shortcomings as a decent person are out in the open but is still idolized by many. It is indeed a colossal mystery how this is happening.
It goes beyond differences in political ideology. It even defies any idea of right and wrong or moral and immoral. How can a man, a proven liar, a racist with a history of corruption still manage to be idolized by many otherwise decent people?
The problem I see for our future is that this acceptance of dishonesty, this acceptance of corruption, this acceptance of discrimination, this acceptance of fear mongering by a president and his political party is shaping the America our children and grandchildren will inherit from us.
This attitude, this philosophy brought to the forefront by the Trump presidency, has evolved to where it is no longer about political differences and ideological differences.
One party thrives on ostracizing those they perceive as different. This mainly includes sexual orientation, race and religion. This hatred or fear of others should not be part of the free society that America is supposed to be.
You cannot profess that America is a free country or a free society if you support Trumpism. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a supporter of Trumpism, and his Republican majority have gone as far as criminalizing gender differences. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another Trump minion, signed a “don’t say gay” law, encouraging hate against the gay community. This should not be the America we leave for our children and grandchildren.
On the contrary, we should be teaching tolerance and acceptance of those different from us. This is what most religions teach, but instead many religious leaders are using religion to promote hate and division. They thrive on hating others while they enrich themselves on followers’ donations.
It has been said that we are at a crossroad in America. It certainly looks that way when so many Americans are buying in to the fascist tactics the Trump administration set in motion.
Back to Trumpism, with what is going on in Ukraine, Trump supporters should be reminded that Trump as an admirer of Vladimir Putin tried his best to weaken NATO. He was trying to gain favor with Putin so he could do business in Moscow.
In 2017 Reuters reported Russian elites invested $98.4 million worth in Trump properties in southern Florida. Trump was and always is more interested in his personal gain than what is in the best interest of the U.S., especially when he had the power of the presidency.
Beto Conde
Rancho Viejo
