Wow, I just read Mary Donaldson’s inflammatory and incorrect letter (“Wake-up Election,” Connection, Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2018) referencing Secretary Kissinger’s remarks made in a Dec. 18, 2016 appearance on Face the Nation. One can find a link to the actual video of the program. In this interview, that took place before Trump took office, Kissinger does say, “Trump is a phenomenon that foreign countries haven’t seen,” and hypothesizes that he could become “a very considerable president.” He does not say, as Ms. Donaldson asserts, “He is the one true leader. After eight years of tyranny, we finally see a difference.”
I might add that the word “tyranny” describes egregious actions of leaders with no ethical base and, regardless of one’s politics, does not apply to any of our past presidents. Please, could we check our sources before ramping up invective? Better yet, could we eliminate invective and stick with facts, wherever they may lead us. As voting citizens, it is our duty to pay attention. That means comparing information from quality news sources with different leanings; recognizing opinions as different from facts; assessing the expertise and stature of the declarant; and logically analyzing what is presented. Bias is too easy. Here’s a test. State our complaints about an office holder or candidate; then redirect them at someone from the opposite party and see how judgments shift. Let’s start working with our better angels. We have a great and blessed commonality to share: we are Americans.
Eileen Curtis
Great Falls