Truth about racism - Donald Trump uses bigotry, racism and white supremacy to divide

In the face of racism, silence is consent- Stand up against Donald Trump racism.

This editorial board opinion was published in The News Advance, a Lynchburg Virginia newspaper.

Donald Trump uses open bigotry, racism and white supremacy to divide us. All Americans, regardless of political affiliation, must condemn his recent attacks on four congresswomen of color. Silence on this matter is an endorsement of this hatred.

We live in dangerous times. Times when the American people are polarized, fearful, angry and alarmed.

Reps. Denver Riggleman and Ben Cline, by refusing to condemn Trump’s racist remarks about four American congresswomen, are guilty of cowardice. They support a Republican Party and a president who have embraced racism. Shame on them for lacking the moral fiber to condemn this racism, which is both un-American and unacceptable.

Trump refuses to even attempt to unite this country; rather endlessly creates divisions, “us and them”, those who love their country and those who, according to him do not, those who follow him and those who should leave. This is unAmerican and unacceptable.

“You are not one of us.” This statement is unAmerican and undemocratic.

“You should go back to the country you came from.” This statement is un-American and undemocratic.

“You hate America! You should leave it.” This statement is un-American and undemocratic.

We call out and condemn these statements. This division brought about by the president’s words and actions must end. A good leader unites people, brings them together and seeks to find common ground.

We write this knowing many will deny that Trump’s (Maine Writer~ irresponsible and cruel!) statements and policies are racist, that the Republican Party has embraced racism, that Trump divides people, that Cline and Riggleman deserve condemnation — but truth must be spoken aloud, especially in dangerous times as these. We bear witness.

By Karen Nuzzo and James Jones, Bedford, Virginia

John Bolton is not elected and he's a terrible National Security Advisor

Echo opinion published in the The News Advance, a Virginia newspaper reporting from Lynchburg and community.

In my opinion John Bolton is an idiot!

Bolton's ill-advised saber-rattling

National Security Advisor John Bolton continues to threaten Iran with the use of U.S. military force. He tells the American public that diplomacy is still an option on Iran.

Who is John Bolton, and what is the job of National Security Advisor?

The National Security Advisor is someone hired to give the president advice on foreign policy. The job is not elected. Candidates for the job do not require Senate confirmation If the president and NSA disagree on policy, the NSA should remain silent, while the president issues his policy. A National Security Advisor has no standing to threaten foreign nations with U.S. military force, on behalf of the citizens of the United States.

Bolton supported the Vietnam War but used his student deferments and got an enlistment in the National Guard (at a time when only George W. Bush and Bolton could get into the Guard), to avoid serving in Vietnam.

Now he is a “hawk,” promoting opportunities for America’s children to enjoy the activity of combat. He should promote those activities on his own time, and on his own dime.

And a P.S. to Bolton: Russia says it has information showing the Navy drone which was shot down near the Gulf of Oman was in Iranian air space when it was attacked by Iran. Well, it fell into Iranian territory, didn’t it?

It’s a sad day in American history when you have to rely on representatives of foreign nations for the truth, because you can’t get it from your own elected officials.

From William Miller, Forest Virginia