A few of our stories and columns are now in front of the paywall. We at The Chief remain committed to independent reporting on labor and civil service. It's been our mission since 1897. You can have a hand in ensuring that our reporting remains relevant in the decades to come. Consider supporting The Chief, which you can do for as little as $3.20 a month.
To the editor:
According to The Editorial Board of The New York Times in its Feb. 8 edition, President Trump is “eroding American democracy” (as flawed as it has been). This erosion carried out by his administration and a compliant Republican Party in Congress can be seen in many areas.
These include: immigration crackdowns while ignoring the rule of law and due process, lying in court and defying court rulings; retribution against perceived enemies; repressing dissent, free speech and freedom of the press by attacking universities, colleges and the media; undermining the election system; and numerous violations of the Emoluments Clause.
There has also been military and economic aggression and threats against sovereign states, with Congress being bypassed; supporting rightwing authoritarian leaders and parties; and spearheading the continued bipartisan, unconditional military and diplomatic support for Israel, a country that violates with impunity U.S. laws governing arms transfers as well as international humanitarian law.
The above examples, as abominable, appalling and unspeakable as they are, pale when it comes to two other administration policies: nuclear weapons and climate change. These increase existential threats to the future of humanity.
Focusing on climate change, the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 Paris climate agreement. It has vigorously supported the burning of gas, oil and coal, the main causes of global warming. Formerly protected federal land has been opened to oil and gas drilling. The administration has blocked alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar, freezing grants and loans for clean energy initiatives.
The damaging effects of climate change and global warming can already be seen in numerous countries, including the United States. These include increases in extreme weather events, such as flooding, forest fires, droughts, excessive heat and violent storms. The failure to reduce carbon emissions and support clean energy could lead to the mass movement of hundreds of millions of people.
Howard Elterman
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Valete
The New York Times Editorial Board presents another fabricated narrative claiming that Mr. Trump is undermining American democracy.
In reality, it was the Biden administration that not only weakened American democracy but also dismantled it to its fundamental principles.
Wednesday, February 11 Report this
krell1349
Enough about Biden, he was much better than the 45 and 47 insanity.
Friday, February 13 Report this
Valete
Biden was undeniably corrupt and the worst president of the United States. That’s a fact!
Friday, February 13 Report this
krell1349
Biden was not corrupt. Trump 47 is the most corrupt administration in history.
Sunday, February 15 Report this
Valete
I am sorry to say this, but former President Joe Biden was corrupt and a fibber, alias Fibber McGee!
Monday, February 16 Report this