President fuels the fires of discord

During my 10 years in the Navy, I served with individuals male and female of every ethnicity and proudly so. They were my friends, colleagues and fellow Americans.

Our nation's woes, racial tensions and homophobia cannot be blamed on our president though he has done little to ease these tensions. His tweets fuel the fire and shed light on his true feelings and beliefs.

In his tweets about the NFL players, he sees disrespect for our anthem, flag, the military and nation. I see young men white and black standing together in unity. It's a shame we all can't do the same.

Don't read things into their actions that are not necessarily true. Instead of worrying about football and the pregame actions of the players, how about concentrating on helping our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico? Or deliver on a few campaign promises like draining the swamp instead of overflowing it with friends and family who are as unqualified as you seem to be, Mr. Trump? Maybe accepting criticism more gracefully instead of bullying or shooting demeaning remarks at those who you disagree with or those who advise you in matters you have little or no experience with.

Try dialing back your inflammatory remarks toward North Korea and try harder at diplomacy instead of incendiary remarks toward an individual who is as egotistical and unstable as you before you both become responsible for the deaths of millions.

Or concentrate on being truthful in the things you say. I have actually lost count of the things you have stated publicly as fact which have been proven to be false. At least stop ending sentences with "Believe me!". Frankly, Mr. President, we no longer can.

William McLaughlin

Winthrop Harbor