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To the editor:
Donald Trump is now a racist (“Encroachment,” The Chief, Letters, Feb. 21)? Let me tell you a little something about racism. As a young sailor that enlisted in the Navy at the tender age of 18, I was discriminated against. Upon my separation from active duty, I applied for a commission in the Navy Reserve as an ensign in the Medical Service Corp. I talked to the recruiter at Floyd Bennett Field and was told that I cannot even apply for a commission because I wasn't Black or a woman.
I had all the qualifications for the position. Leading petty officer (LPO) of the medical/dental unit, a degree and most importantly, experience. Instead of complaining, I applied for that same position in the Army Reserve, the Army National Guard, the Air Force Reserve and Air Guard. Eventually after waiting 13 months, I was granted that same position in the New Jersey Army National Guard and became a second lieutenant. I left the USNR as a second-class petty officer then laterally transferred to the National Guard as a sergeant and received a direct commission. I spent 12-plus years between active duty and reserve in the Navy. I was indefatigable in seeking a commission as an officer.
I may add, I was scheduled to enter FDNY probationary firefighters' school in 1983 but was held up because of the pending lawsuit brought by women. Did I complain? No, Instead, I went to work for the United States Postal Service and was finally hired in 1985 and entered PFS, graduated and had a great career in the FDNY.
Donald Trump did not imperiously take over the presidency — he was elected by the people of the United States. Stop with your bête noire already. It's getting old.
Dominic Genovese
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namrogm
I lost my partial scholarship in law school and they were honest enough to tell me I lost it because the law school did not have enough minorities in the law school and they needed the scholarships more than I did. So my scholarship was turned into a loan. I had no problem with that. I strongly believe in affirmative action applied when necessary and based on need. America has a long history of slavery, Jim Crow and all forms of racism. Affirmative action helps correct it and that is a good thing.
Wednesday, March 5 Report this
reenjoe
Mr. Genovese, let me understand this. You can see how you were the victim of racism at the hands of the U.S. Military when you were denied a promotion, but you don't see how thousands of Black families were victims of Donald Trump's racism when he denied them housing in the 1970's? Or, how the Central Park 5 were victims of his racism when Trump demanded their executions? Even though they were innocent and the crime (****) isn't punishable by death? Or that Trump continues to assail the character of these five men of color to this day?
Trump isn't "now" a racist; he has always been a racist and the proof is in the open for all to see. If "it's getting old" for you to be reminded of Trump's offenses, imagine how tired the rest of are knowing that so many of our fellow Americans knew all of the above and still voted for such a man.
Saturday, March 8 Report this