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To the editor:
During Barack Obama’s presidency 2.5 million people were deported from the United States. And although there were some protests, there was virtually no violence, no attacks on police or federal agents and no destruction of property.
During Donald Trump’s second term as president his administration asserts there have been about 150,000 people deported. Others estimate that number at about 75,000.
Yet under Trump there is widespread violence and pandemonium. Why?
I venture to say this is what the Trump administration officials want. They seek hatred and division. They provoke violence and destruction with their secret police tactics and call their response “law enforcement.” Then they blame the violence they themselves have provoked on Democratic leaders in blue states, especially those seen as potential presidential candidates.
This administration wants the 24-hour news cycle to show videos of protesters attacking federal agents and police, they want violence and riots, they want burning cars, they want to use the National Guard and even active military to respond to domestic incidents to provide an all-you-can-eat buffet of red meat to Trump loyalists. Racial and religious divisions, blaming others for failures and Republicans fighting Democrats is what keeps the Trump base satisfied and loyal.
The potential use of active military to quell domestic disturbances pursuant to deportations is a strategy to get Americans used to this tyrannical idea by demystifying the use of the military on American soil.
It’s a precursor to a potential declaration of martial law by this burgeoning authoritarian regime that will manifest itself when America reaches a boiling point, because we can’t breathe anymore due to the tourniquet around our vocal cords suffocating free speech.
Marc Bullaro
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0000
Your letter states that during B. Obama's presidency, 2.5 million people were deported, with minimal protests and violence.
In contrast to D. Trump, widespread violence and chaos have occurred. Why?
Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom’s failure to safeguard Los Angeles from civil disobedience resulted in widespread looting, attacks on law enforcement, and the burning of cars, among other acts. Consequently, the Trump administration was compelled to intervene to prevent widespread bloodshed and prevent Los Angeles from being destroyed by “thugs,” as history will undoubtedly attest.
Wednesday, June 11 Report this
wpeakes
@J.Donne
The Trump administration has failed to make the case that its intervention was ever needed or requested because it wasn't. That's the problem. As it stands now, two thousand National Guard troops and seven hundred active duty Marines are just standing around guarding federal buildings and watching federal officers conduct questionable immigration raids. Just let that sink in: active Marines deployed on American soil. We should all be concerned about that. Governor Newsum and Mayor Bass were never consulted on their ability to not only manage the protest activity but to safeguard federal properties, which, incidentally, they've been doing all along and even now. Both have unequivocally and repeatedly condemned the acts of violence and vandalism that have occurred which went beyond civil disobedience.
The affected area involved in downtown Los Angeles is so small that calling it "widespread" is a stretch.
I also remember on a cold, clear January 6 morning when the then-president (Trump) refused to authorize deployment of the National Guard during an actual riot where law enforcement officers were beaten and the U.S. Capitol was ransacked and defaced even though he was asked repeatedly to do so. Earlier this year, paradoxically, the same thugs responsible for the crimes of that day were pardoned for no discernible reason as history will undoubtedly attest.
Wednesday, June 11 Report this
krell1349
There is not widespread looting and the other things you say in Los Angeles. Totally false. Only a small area has these issues. Trump said Los Angeles is burning. Not true. This is cherry picked by the Trump administration. This is a solution in search of a problem. Trump is grandstanding and the National Guard and the Marines are not needed in Los Angeles. What a waste of our tax dollars. Trump called these people "insurrectionists". That's rich coming from someone who did nothing to stop the January 6th insurrection and he pardoned all those people. Maybe he will pardon the Los Angeles "insurrectionists".
Thursday, June 12 Report this
0000
You express your opinions, and I do the same. My posts' reflect my political views, so let’s engage in a thoughtful discussion. Let’s focus on the topic at hand and leave it there. I consider myself an independent thinker, and I’m comfortable discussing politics with Democrats. In fact, I find it intellectually stimulating. I’ve even broadened my perspective on political issues. I have many friends who are registered Democrats; we get along well! Disagreeing about politics is a natural part of our American culture, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
In reality, our opinions may not hold much significance in the grand scheme of politics and global affairs. It’s refreshing to agree to disagree and engage in a challenging debate. Until next time, farewell!
Friday, June 13 Report this