The American Century - 1917-2017

As an armchair historian, I fancy the belief that American ascendancy began with our entry into World War I in 1917. As the New World emerged from the ashes of empire after the "War to End All Wars," we may have tried to retreat in nativism and isolationism, but the forces of history would not let that happen. After our late entry into World War II, we emerged as the "Champion of Democracy" around the world.

During the Cold War, including the Korean War, we believed that it was the U.S.'s job to keep the world safe for democracy. Tragically, the disastrous catastrophe of Vietnam showed the limitations of that policy. Then, the collapse of the Soviet Union, things seemed to be moving forward again. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" was a wonderful cry of hope for the breakdown of walls and barriers around the world.

Now, we have an unprecedented president who regularly insults our allies and cozies up to tyrants. He tells lies daily and offers only more lies in support. His immigration policies are a humanitarian disaster. Even our own citizens feel excluded from his claims of prosperity - Puerto Rico.

He condemns Trudeau, Merkel, Macron, yet extols the virtue of Putin. Only 14 percent of Germans now feel that the U.S. can be trusted as a partner. His policies, directed by Sessions, cater to wealthy whites and dismiss people of color and differing backgrounds.

See Ron Reagan's latest comments on the downward trajectory that he has plunged us into. As the son of Ronald Reagan, he sees firsthand the terrible missteps on this very un-American of presidents. Trump's policies are neither Republican nor Democratic. America First is only the "Me-First" of an autocratic demagogue.

Jay Fox

Huntley