Jay Fleitman’s article downplayed serious concerns that people have with the Trump administration by explaining it away with the broad stroke of the “liberal-leaning news media.”
He also suggests that since Trump has a son-in-law and grandson who are Jewish, that Jews everywhere should not feel threatened. Dr. Fleitman conveniently ignores the fact that Trump’s right-hand man (Steve Bannon) is an acknowledged anti-Semite and racist and ran a white supremacist website.
Dr. Fleitman also says that Trump’s speeches were much less belligerent than what was reported. Again, he conveniently ignores the many times that Trump spoke harshly of a free press and encouraged his supporters to belittle, harass, intimidate and even threaten the press.
The list of people who Trump has denigrated, disparaged and humiliated (including many Republicans) is too long for this letter but people have good reason for concern about Trump’s presidency and what it will mean for human rights and freedoms. As a privileged white man, Dr. Fleitman may not have to worry about his own life, but I would hope that people would think more expansively about our society and the right of every person in this country to live without fear.
We disagree with his assessment that Americans “have dodged a bullet” with this incoming administration. In fact, the need for our vigilance to maintain the constitutional rights of everyone is even more necessary now.
Christine and Jon Sass
Florence