Trump, Roosevelt comparison wrong

In a recent column, Kathleen Parker, in her zest to pick the low-hanging fruit of a Donald Trump candidacy, wrote that Trump is "a bit like Teddy Roosevelt."

She went on to characterize TR as a strutting, cocky, loud mouthed, bloodthirsty showoff," some of which characterized the man who by force of will, threats, and imperialist leanings got the Panama Canal built. In addition, TR's presidency resulted in the protection of over 230 million acres of land for the public good, including countless national forests, national parks and national monuments.

He created the U.S. Forest Service and passed the National Reclamation Act, and used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to break up monopolies that forced many into unsafe and unfair labor conditions. The Square Deal protected workers and consumers in ways that are still felt today.

His Pure Food and Drug Act created safeguards that are still in force today.

Finally, President Roosevelt advocated for universal health care, but even he couldn't change his fellow Republicans' antipathy toward helping disadvantaged people.

Do any of these seem remotely like goals of a Trump Administration? Ms. Parker made a flippant remark that simply continued the unfortunate stereotype of the man with the Big Stick.

TR was a man of his time. He saw greatness in the promise of America and in the American people. Trump tells us that he can build a wall cheaply.

TR famously said, "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." Ms. Parker, please don't use the legacy of this great, flawed man as a punchline. If you want to compare Trump to a president, consider Warren G. Harding.

Robert Lupo

Palatine