08-05-2025
Trump administration's hostility and coercion breed bad faith. It's also weak.
I am raising caution against the methods used by the present administration that criminalizes differences of opinion and ideology. Actions such as discriminant and indiscriminate firings, opinion-voiced deportations and curtailment of public discourse by threat and bullying is a dangerous reversal of civil behavior. It damages the ability to create a country of true strength and power.
The methods of hostility and coercion breeds a reputation of bad faith among the most loyal and patriotic citizenry. It breeds distrust arising from a fear-based requirement for obedience in an insistence to dominate. This hurts America.
I endorse rooting out inefficiency, excess and ill-gained profit from exploitation of good policy. I also endorse rewarding hard work, sacrifice, accountability and admirable work ethic. The methods to attain the former are eroding the latter. The means do effect the end.
Contrary to the delusion that the methods employed by the present administration show might, they only express a weakness and an extreme deficiency in the skills, art, wit of leadership through goodwill, foresight and creativity.
I am asking our elected representatives to claim your power as a legislator. When you grab hold of the rudder of decency and humanity in guiding the country toward a future of common values and prosperity, you will find yourself being an agent of unity and praised for your courage.
Christine Bender, New Berlin
Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state:
Please include your name, street address and daytime phone.
Generally, we limit letters to 200 words.
Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter.
Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing.
Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person.
We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions.
We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters.
Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months.
All letters are subject to editing.
Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Congress must claim its power as legislators to guide us | Opinion
