to the editor: The report on the limited edition passport to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States is revealing (“The United States will issue commemorative passports with Trump's photo for the United States' 250th birthday,” April 29). With our country's $39 trillion in debt, one wonders if this is really the best priority. Is this really necessary? Can the president – who once led casinos to bankruptcy Sink lower?
The branding of his name and face is relentless: first a “meme coin,” then his name on the Kennedy Center and several federal buildings. His signature—those sharp peaks like Manhattan skyscrapers painted in thick black marker—is even destined for our currency. And now, our passports. Actually?
Are we still a republic? Can we still say “We the People”? Soon, Americans may be walking the world with this document in hand. I find this deeply worrying; It is a warning that we can no longer ignore.
Our country is moving away from the vision of the Founding Founders. To be an American means to oppose this erosion of democratic symbolism: a developing vanity that threatens our traditions not only globally, but also in our own souls.
Dimitris Eleas, Brooklyn, New York
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to the editor: My father-in-law would say that President Trump has never met a mirror he didn't like. Like the pharaohs of Egypt, Trump's ego requires tributes to have his place in history.
But even without his ballroom, his arch, his gold coins and his portrait on limited edition passports, he will always be remembered. How can we forget the chaos you have created in our nation and the world with your tariffs and your 25 billion dollars (so far) War of choice with Iran?
So much for eliminating “waste, fraud and abuse.”
José García, Yorba Linda
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to the editor: My passport will expire in two years. I intend to update it as soon as possible. At my age, I probably have 10 to 15 years of travel left, and the last thing I want to do is carry around a document with a photo of the guy who inspired an attack on the US Capitol.
Chuck Heinz, West Hills
