To the Editor:

When Donald Trump was campaigning for his third attempt to be president, an opinion piece was submitted by a reader stating his support for Mr. Trump as the law and order candidate. I, however, did not agree, and submitted a rebuttal. 

Now with Mr. Trump in his second term I find it ironic, and sad, that our country, along with our global allies, are seeing the exact opposite. First it was Venezuela. Threats of military action in Cuba. 

Now, specific to the war in Iran, the law and order president has used the power of the U.S. military to what means? Innocent people and members of our military are being killed to fulfill what purpose? Regime change, nuclear deterrent, or for financial reasons, such as control of Middle Eastern oil? The rationale for U.S. involvement keeps changing from one week to the next.

What is most discouraging is the lack of response from GOP leadership in Congress, leaving many wondering about their complicity by remaining silent. Did we not learn anything from past wars? Iran will not cede to the president’s demands. Why would they when WE invaded them? Remember what our response was after 9/11. We used military action in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Does this president have a realistic sense of how his sabre rattling comes across? His cognitive decline should be a significant concern. Is GOP leadership too afraid to speak out for the good of our entire country, and our global allies, regardless of political party affiliation? 

Democracy dies because of complicity. Now, more than ever, we deserve leadership that puts the country before unhinged egos. Our brave service men and women, U.S. citizens, and our allies deserve better.

–Gerry Juster, Keizer

Readers may submit letters to the editor to [email protected].