Acquiesce
One of the depressing developments since the second inauguration of President Donald Trump is the speed at which many otherwise reasonable people acquiesce to and even anticipate his wishes and commands. I am talking about public servants who resign instead of “holding their position;” tech entrepreneurs who donated money for his inauguration even if they weren’t supporting him before; and of course Republican senators who are giving up all pretense of being conservative and strong on defense or law and order to accommodate even his most outlandish nominees and pardons of violent insurrectionists.
Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous quote comes to mind: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.”
In this context, I applaud those who stand up for what is right — the Idaho woman in your article “’MAGA Granny’ rejects pardon,” and the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, who in her inauguration sermon urged the president to “have mercy” with the most vulnerable among us. Trump commented that, “She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart.”
I am asking your readers: Who do you think represents true Christian values?
Sebastian Kuhn, Norfolk
Hypocrisy
Re “Clemency of 2 Va. men draws local ire” (A1, Jan. 21): No mention from Virginia leaders Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares about President Donald Trump’s pardon of 1,600 felons released back into communities across the United States, some who attacked cops on Jan. 6, 2021.
How is it possible that Youngkin and Miyares failed to see their own hypocrisy? Is this the world we now live in where facts don’t matter, and we only believe the story line that supports Trump and his political party? This is terrifying for those of us who still believe in our democracy.
Janet Meyer, Virginia Beach
Repeat history
He campaigned on draining the swamp, promising he would reduce unemployment and improve the stagnant economy. He withdrew from international treaties, claiming more freedom for the people. He also promised to deport all the criminals, calling them vermin, to make his country great again. His supporters were thrilled and showered him with praise wherever he went.
The first time around he was thwarted by generals and politicians loyal to the state. By winning a second term he shocked everyone, including himself. Claiming a mandate to get rid of the government officials, he rid the government of officials loyal to the state and filled those jobs with people loyal to him, and him alone.
Through it all, the press tried to make sense of it by smoothing over the rough ideologies. His political allies twisted themselves in knots to accommodate him, while his opponents weren’t sure how to stand up to him. Foreign leadership did not know what to do, capitulate or stand up against him. In the end, most capitulated to the small, petty tyrant.
Free speech and elections were soon targeted. Segments of the population were shunned. Criminals were released and became a shadow army in support of his ambitions. CEOs and businessmen came to offer their tribute. Ministers of the Gospel spoke for him during their sermons; others agreeing to disagree, silently, in a live and let live environment, giving tacit approval.
It was 1933, Germany.
Robin Comfort, Chesapeake