Is Trump’s combativeness spurring a balancing?
West Barnstable, Mass.: In an unexpected twist in America’s political narrative, the election of Donald Trump has catalyzed a remarkable phenomenon: the depolarization of our nation. Far from deepening divides, his presidency has, paradoxically, ushered in an era where centrism isn’t just a political strategy but a cultural shift.
This transformation is evident in the halls of Congress, where bipartisan efforts on health care, infrastructure and education reform are no longer anomalies. Trump’s tenure, characterized by an unconventional approach, has inadvertently encouraged politicians to seek common ground, realizing that progress lies not in partisan victory but in collaborative governance.
The grassroots echo this change. Communities across the nation are engaging in dialogues that prioritize understanding over division. Educational initiatives now emphasize critical thinking, preparing students to navigate a world where ideas are debated with respect.
Trump’s impact, often seen through a divisive lens, has instead highlighted the limitations of extreme partisanship. His administration’s policies, while controversial, have forced a reevaluation of what it means to govern in a diverse democracy. This has led to a surprising outcome: a more centrist, pragmatic approach to politics, where the focus is on solving real issues for real people.
In this light, Trump’s legacy might well be remembered not for division but for inadvertently fostering unity, proving that even from discord, depolarization can emerge, offering a new path for American democracy. Ronald Beaty
Boy bronzer
Nutley, N.J.: With all the products Trump has put up for sale, including his gold watches, his Bible, his trading cards and the latest, his fragrance, to name a few. There is one product left off his list. Can you guess? How about his own cosmetic line? I wonder! How many shades of orange could there be? Elaine Bucino
Fanatical fans
Woodstock, N.Y.: To Voicer Rob Mele: Pointing a finger at liberals’ dismay over the current results — I believe it was your side that attacked the Capitol building, screaming about how they had been robbed, threatening violence and murder. And to this very day, your orange boy refuses to admit he lost the 2020 election. If anyone has a mental disease, it’s you guys. You look at a 5-year-old in an old man’s fat suit and see Jesus. That’s pretty sick. Suzanne Hayes Kelly
Relatively muted
Staten Island: To Voicer Rob Mele: Yes, we liberals are frustrated and expressing our disappointment because we lost. However, I can guarantee that our response won’t involve storming the Capitol, as conservatives did on Jan. 6, 2021, because they couldn’t accept their loss. John Ottrando
Sinister smirk
Clearwater, Fla.: One look at White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby at the recent press conference regarding drone sightings and you know that he is not being transparent. With that smirk on his face, I couldn’t help wondering the reason for Kirby’s smugness. No doubt, Kirby knows something we don’t and relishes the pleasure of knowing the anxiety this mystery is causing. And while it has been suggested that the drones may be some sort of experiment launched by our own government, which may explain the nonchalant attitude of the White House and why there were no drone sightings on Thanksgiving, I can’t help but question what lurks behind Kirby’s smirk. JoAnn Lee Frank
Devil from Damascus
Peters Township, Pa.: With the fall of Syria’s ruthless dictator and finally, the opening of its prison gates, the world is getting a full picture of the barbarity he unleashed against the innocent civilians of his country over a period of years. Countless Syrians were abducted, kept in horrific conditions for the periods of time they were alive, tortured and butchered. All we need to know about Russian dictator and killer Vladimir Putin is that he has provided safe haven to Bashar Assad, the man who should stand trial for his crimes against humanity just as the monsters of the Nazi regime did at Nuremberg. Oren Spiegler
Tools of terror
Parkland, Fla.: Now that Assad is ensconced in Russia and Syria has been freed of his tyrannical rule, what is to become of the storehouse of chemical weapons he used on his own population? Is it in the hands of the rebels (some of whom are linked to Al Qaeda)? While to all outward appearances there’s an effort to effect a peaceful and possibly democratic transition from the autocratic dictatorship, I fear it will be fragile and vulnerable and might place even more weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the rebels. I hope and pray that I am wrong. John Squicciarini
Go for a stroll
Brooklyn: I recommend to your readers to go for walks often in Prospect Park. It is the most beautiful place in Brooklyn and a great place to get exercise. I recommend walking around the park in a clockwise direction, as walking in the park is a lot more enjoyable when you walk in that direction. A weekly walk in the park can significantly improve your health and happiness. To keep warm in the winter months, you can buy a balaclava and thermal pants. You can also get a safety alarm to feel safer on your walks. Thank you for printing this letter and thus improving your readers’ lives. Shlomo Klein
Erased heroics
Kew Gardens: To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a local TV station on Sunday covered the gallant efforts of the 101st Airborne soldiers who were surrounded by German troops in the town of Bastogne but refused to surrender. When offered terms to surrender, Gen. Anthony McAuliffe replied, “Nuts!” However, the report had a glaring omission. The town of Bastogne was liberated with the critical help of the 761st Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, a Black unit, under the command of Gen. George Patton. Though serving in a segregated army, the 761st Tank Battalion fought bravely for this nation and contributed greatly to the victory in Europe. Too often, historical praise of U.S. war victories does not include the contributions made by all those from our multicultural and multiracial nation. We must not overlook or forget the sacrifices made by all those who fought to keep this nation free. Glenn Hayes
Them again?
Kearny, N.J.: America’s long national nightmare continues. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will again host CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage. Kevin Dale
System overhaul
Manhattan: While we do not condone the murder of insurance company executive Brian Thompson, the ongoing media attention on the perpetrator is not productive. Better to direct our attention to the core issue: the inadequacy of the Medicare Advantage program. The real solution is Medicare for All. Decent legislation would provide quality medical insurance and thus enable better medical care for all U.S. residents with coverage at a lower cost than that of most current private plans. Our culture frowns upon collective solutions to many major problems even though those problems are often poorly addressed by the private sector. Would we consider privatizing our fire departments, for example, to lower our taxes? That would be great — until our house burned down. Inexpensive medical insurance such as Medicare Advantage is also great — until you get sick. Thompson’s murder should be a wakeup call for all of us. Marc H. Lavietes, MD, board member, Physicians for a National Health Program; NY Metro chapter
Choosing decadence
Henderson, Nev.: I see that my goody-two-shoes brother Ol’ St. Nick wants Voicers to know that he is going vegan. Well, I will indulge in hot fudge sundaes with whipped cream. For dinner, I’ll drive my new eco-unfriendly gas-powered car to the best Las Vegas buffet for prime rib, served medium rare with baked potato and butter. Lots of butter. No longer will I do without. It’s my life and I’ll do what I want without anyone preaching or acting holier than thou — and then doing just the opposite. Sorry, but we just had four years of that malarkey. Enough! Later, Bad Santa. David Tulanian
