To the editor: I am deeply offended that the brave souls resting in Arlington National Cemetery have been used as props for a racist former president who evaded military service. There has not been one member of Donald Trump’s family who was a “stupid” or a “loser” and has earned a place among our heroes.
My great-grandfather, all of his siblings, my grandfather, all of his siblings, all of my uncles, my stepfather and my brother are laid to rest in national cemeteries. My biological father, who was Bahamian, was honored with an American flag.
They were all black. None of them were Republicans. They were, in fact, just American boys fighting for their country.
Let them rest in the peace and honor they deserve.
René Childress, View of the Park
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To the editor: My father is buried in Section 4 of Arlington National Cemetery. He is sandwiched between two Vietnam War veterans.
My father, Army Col. Robert R. Selway Jr., died of a stroke, likely from the stress of training the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black military fighter and bomber pilots during World War II. He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. My mother is buried with him.
Did Trump really think he could have a photo op in Arlington's Section 60? Did one of his employees punch a woman working at the cemetery?
You should stay away from my mother and father.
Bonnie Selway, Manhattan Beach
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To the editor: Federal law prohibits campaign activities at military cemeteries. While we do not know the intent of the Gold Star families' invitation to invite Trump to Arlington, it cannot override federal law or military policy.
There should have been no doubt that Trump’s staff overstepped its bounds when one of its members allegedly shoved an Arlington employee who tried to stop the unfolding political event. The “holy moment” subsequently appeared on social media, which is precisely what Arlington officials were aiming to prevent.
Was Trump honoring the loss suffered by the families of war veterans with his visit? Or was he trying to rehabilitate his reputation after repeated gaffes in which he called our veterans “suckers” and “losers” and questioned the significance of the Congressional Medal of Honor?
Frederick Roth, Rancho Cucamonga
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To the editor: I always enjoy reading Robin Abcarian's opinion columns, as I do all LA Times journalists.
However, I long for the day when we don't have to read another article about this terrible man who has done yet another terrible thing.
Is this newsworthy? Certainly. I am very tired of all this, after what seems like a hundred years and not just nine. I am exhausted by it all.
I'm not normalizing his behavior. I'm just saying, please go away.
Shelley Keith, Sherman Oaks
