To the editor: I grew up in Coronado as a military brat. My male ancestors fought in every American battle for freedom and justice, from the Revolutionary War to the Korean War. My father and grandfather served as naval officers during World War II and emulated unwavering loyalty to their country and its institutions. (“John Kelly says Trump is a 'fascist' who repeatedly praised Hitler while in office,” October 23)
I grew up questioning the Vietnam War. My father's respect never wavered for the decisions made by two presidents. His education and military training taught him to trust in the good intentions and integrity of his commander in chief.
From the beginning of his term, former President Trump treated “his” military officers with disdain and often demeaned them in public. Bullies tend to target people who are a better version of themselves. Senior military leaders have consistently responded with restraint and dignity, in deference to the commander in chief.
There has been a titanic shift recently: high-ranking military officers are speaking publicly about Trump's fascist words and behavior. When career military leaders can no longer remain silent, it is because they have chosen to put their loyalty to the United States and the Constitution before a danger to our country.
We must listen to what they tell us.
Mary Rider, Idyllwild, California.
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To the editor: I cast my first vote for president (Dwight D. Eisenhower) in 1956, so, as you know, I walked with creaky joints to deposit my ballot in the secure drop box at my county seat for the upcoming presidential election.
What a contrast between a man who, as Supreme Allied Commander, led the effort to free Europe from the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler. Eisenhower undoubtedly felt sorry as he reviewed his young troops before the assault on Normandy. He was a worthy president when he obtained that high position.
Compare that to Donald Trump and the indignity he demonstrated as president.
I proudly took an oath to democracy when I became a teacher. Now I fear that this “loyalty oath,” should Trump be elected again, would be for an incipient dictatorship.
I cannot understand how so many of my fellow citizens have turned a blind eye to what should be their first priority in this election: loyalty to our democratic ideals.
Joanne Oroark, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: For several years we have seen a lot of doubt about Trump's constant control over his voters, but I think we have missed the point. Its appeal is not fascism, it is respect.
Over decades, liberalism has gone from advocating open-mindedness to telling others to shut up and do what they're told because the elite should know better. I first noticed this mentality decades ago, with a 1976 New Yorker magazine cover that satirically described all of western Manhattan as a wasteland. Then there was contempt for the heart of our country as “transit states,” and let us not forget the dismissal of the “deplorables.”
I am quite well educated and I am told that I am quite intelligent. I have met several people who have not made it past high school who are not only intelligent but also knowledgeable about social issues, economics, foreign policy, and much more. However, they all conveyed the denigration they feel from our formally educated dictators.
If we lose this election to Trump, it will be caused by our arrogance and willful ignorance. I hope we don't and I hope we learn.
Paul Malykont, Los Osos, California.
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To the editor: Is it possible that young people do not shudder at the mention of Hitler's name?
I was 12 when World War II ended and my parents started receiving letters from Europe. They sat at the kitchen table and read them aloud, sobbing as they learned of siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors all massacred by Hitler. It wasn't just the Jews, but also the sick, the so-called deviants, the political enemies, anyone he didn't like.
When a retired general tells us that Trump wishes he had Hitler's generals, we should all shudder.
Florence Weinberger, Malibu
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To the editor: Trump should think twice if he wants generals with the same loyalty as those who served Hitler. They were some of those generals behind Operation Valkyrie, the attempted assassination of Hitler on July 20, 1944.
Cary Adams, North Hollywood
