My late father and uncles enlisted to fight in World War II, returning home humbled by the sacrifices of their fellow soldiers, pilots, and sailors. They held a steely pride in the United States’ ideals and democratic government. They would never have accepted the abusive actions and hypocrisy of President Trump, actions which clearly contradict long-held, and hard-won, American values.

They would have been outraged at the militarized seizure of non-violent immigrants in our streets by masked, unidentifiable agents, or the use of life-endangering, inhumane prisons where detainees are held.

They would have been appalled to see an American president send military personnel into cities to quell street protests, the same one who refused to send help during the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol where police were beaten and our lawmakers and vice president were put at grave risk.

They would have opposed threatening our NATO allies and neighbors, punishing them with tariffs when they don’t bend to the unconscionable demand of surrendering Greenland.

They would have been incensed at presidential pardons of convicted felons who attacked Capitol police, and of wealthy or politically-connected “white-collar” criminals. They would have cringed at the literal hunting down of desperate people, whose only offense was once crossing the U.S. border illegally, a misdemeanor under federal law.

The men of my family honorably fought in a war against abuse of power. Now here it is in the United States. They would expect me to at least speak up against it.

CAROLYN COLDREN

Lewisburg

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom