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To the editor:
During the 20th century, we saw ruthless dictators view intellectuals and academics as threats to their control over their populations. They deported, killed and sent many to forced labor camps. Nations that used these methods are well known: Cambodia, the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, China during the Cultural Revolution, and Spain in the late 1930s.
While Donald Trump has not used the violent methods employed by the leaders and dictators of those countries, he is nonetheless attempting to exert control over our best educational institutions, many of which won’t kowtow to Trump’s radical right wing extremist attacks on the truth, diversity, free speech and equal rights. Polls show that most Americans strongly oppose the social engineering tactics of his Project 2025.
Trump’s sycophantic and incompetent cabinet members and inner circle, as well as the Republican majority Congress, have so far allowed his near-dictatorial and unconstitutional behavior to proceed with few objections and little resistance.
Michael J. Gorman
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JDonne
In your letter, you draw parallels between Donald Trump and notorious 20th-century despots, suggesting that they share apprehension of intellectuals and academics as potential threats to their control. However, this comparison is weak and fails to establish a meaningful connection between Trump and the despots.
(Drawing parallels to them to bolster your argument is misleading and duplicitous.)
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) program at academic institutions excludes white and Asian students. In response to this injustice, Trump advocates for a merit-based system instead of a quota system. Merit-based systems are designed to eliminate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion.
(Qualification is solely determined by academic performance, without considering personal characteristics or background.)
In conclusion, you claim that Trump’s cabinet members, inner circle, and the Republican Congress have disregarded his near-dictatorial and unconstitutional conduct. This assertion is simply absurd!
Your political propaganda and biased attacks on Trump have proven ineffective; he won the 2024 presidential election. Instead, a letter urging Democrats and Republicans to collaborate and pass legislation for a more equitable society would be a more constructive approach.
Monday, May 5 Report this
krell1349
Merit based system? Look at his cabinet. Pet Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel, Lee Zeldin, Kelly Loeffler, Pam Bondi, Howard Lutnick, Linda McMahon, Robert F Kennedy, Jr., Kristi Noem, Scott Bessent. Is this the best Trump can do? Merit based candidates, I think not. Ones with connections. All sycophants and incompetent.
Tuesday, May 6 Report this
JDonne
Trump’s administration is highly qualified, which is more than I can say about the Biden administration. Quotas are reserved for individuals who lack the necessary skills and qualifications to compete at the highest level. It’s unfortunate, but not everyone possesses the exceptional abilities required to excel at the highest academic level; not everyone can be a 300-hitter!
Yesterday at 5:17 AM Report this