Letter to the editor: We need a truthful, responsible president

In 2018, President Trump dismantled the National Security Council pandemic response leadership, leaving the U.S. unprepared for what medical professionals and scientists said would be inevitable. His administration also shelved a comprehensive pandemic response brief, prepared by the NSC’s health unit after the outbreak of the Ebola virus and finalized in 2017.

Then, to add to his more than 16,000 false and misleading statements while in office, he said in late February of the emerging coronavirus that “it’s going to disappear. One day, it’s like a miracle — it will disappear,” leaving many Americans skeptical of the virus response and containment measures. Later, he accused the Democrats of “politicizing” the virus, claiming that their criticism of the White House response was “their new hoax.”

Next up, Trump called for us to be back to work by Easter, even though he knew that the virus’ infection rate would be skyrocketing in mid-April. Now, to add to the nonaccountable $500 billion corporate slush fund, he has essentially told American industries it’s OK to pollute at will. Also up is reversing emission standards, further eroding our health and contributing to climate change.

This amoral president needs to be voted out office in November. We must have a leader who keeps the health and safety of all Americans at heart. We must have a leader who takes responsibility for his or her actions and doesn’t constantly lie. We must have a real leader. Vote!

Dave Samuel

Hempfield