Mentally deficient leader (as in DSM) - An echo opinion

In his pamphlet “Common Sense,” one of the arguments Tom Paine made for our country’s independence was that we should not be the subjects of a mentally deficient leader, like a fool that might be produced in a successional monarchy. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

Vote Trump out of office!

Echo opinion letter published in the Bradenton Herald, a Florida newspaper. 

Therefore, it is sadly ironic that 243 years after declaring our independence we are the subjects of just such a mentally deficient leader.

Donald Trump is a true psychopath who does not function in the real world. He does not recognize the real world of empathy, tolerance and respect. He does not appreciate the fragility of precious natural resources or the seriousness of climate change.

What is his medical diagnosis? He has a “delusional disorder of the grandiose type.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) lists its criteria, which paint a vivid picture of our President.

I believe Tom Paine would agree with me that we should help the mentally ill. I agree with him that we should not be the subjects of a mentally ill leader. How can we declare our independence from the mentally deficient leader we elected?

Well, there will be another election next year. Vote common sense. Vote him out! John E. Darovec Jr. in Bradenton, Florida

Echo opinion about the New York Times anonymous author - consider Thomas Paine

Don't dismiss Trump's anonymous insider

Echo opinion letter published in The Baltimore Sun:

Some have derided the anonymous author of a recent op-ed The New York Times as cowardly, pusillanimous*, or otherwise inappropriately masking their identity (“President Trump fumes over NYT op-ed; top officials swiftly deny ‘resistance’ role,” Sept. 6). It is asked: Why else would they conceal their name?

Three words: fear of tyranny. An accusation of “treason” (Donald Trump’s language) demonstrates how capably can the tyrant exact a toll on a given writer’s reputation, profession, livelihood — and very life — should their name be publicly disseminated.

We ought consider the publication of Thomas Paine’s 1776 pamphlet, “Common Sense.” Its first three editions (at the least) were published anonymously, though Mr. Paine’s name was known to the publisher, Robert Bell. The number of copies sold equaled one-third of the colonial population. As it was read aloud in public meeting places and shared among acquaintances of the buyers, it is fair to say that the author’s message reached essentially the entirety of the citizenry. Anonymously.

Mr. Paine’s identity was relevant to neither the truth of the writing nor its impact. President John Adams said, "Without the pen of the author of ‘Common Sense,’ the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain.”

To appreciate proof that Mr. Paine wrote anonymously, consider that a fellow Marylander wrote to the Pennsylvania Evening Post (in a letter published February 13, 1776) that "If you know the author of COMMON SENSE, tell him he has done wonders and worked miracles. His stile [sic] is plain and nervous; his facts are true; his reasoning, just and conclusive."

For me, it is sufficient that the editors at the New York Times, as with those at the Pennsylvania Evening Post, know full well whose voice they echo. It’s just common sense.

Brian Raila, Parkville, Maryland

*showing a lack of courage or determination; timid