Trump can’t be a Russian operative
Like many Trump supporters, I fervently wish he was more articulate and precise in his verbiage. Like many, when I watched his performance with the global press after his meeting with Putin, I literally cringed.
However, when you understand his actions regarding Russia over the last 18 months, it becomes impossible to believe that he is what so many are hysterically accusing him of being: A dupe, a traitor, treasonous.
Here are just a few of those actions:
He has said repeatedly that Russia meddled in our election. In fact, he specifically linked the increased sanctions he instituted against them to their interference.
He’s expanded our military spending.
He’s expanded the strength of NATO and insisted that NATO countries pay their fair share.
He’s ended the arms embargo with Ukraine and Georgia, and provided additional military supplies for both.
Under his leadership approximately 200 Russian mercenaries were killed in Syria.
He’s ended the ban on exports of oil and gas and is encouraging Europe to buy their energy from us. Russia’s economy is in tatters, and without their energy exports, their economy will collapse.
With all of his actions listed above, if Trump is a Russian operative, he’s a really ineffective one.
The hypocrisy of those currently accusing our president of treason is frightening. Every president since Eisenhower has attempted to improve relations with Russia. Do you remember the reset button? To the Trump haters, would you take any excuse to be hyperbolically outraged in order to get rid of him or would it be preferable to support his efforts to improve our relationship with Russia?”
I’ve never been more afraid for our country. While Trump has exacerbated the tone of our civil discourse, it’s also undeniable that the Trump haters, with their unhinged vitriol, are contributing to the deep divide.
Patricia Smith,
Brunswick
Who knows Albert Baily?
I grew up in West Bath and am currently working on a PhD in folklore at Indiana University. I am doing research on Albert Baily (1890–1974), a songwriter with ties to Phippsburg. Baily taught at Westtown School in Pennsylvania and ran Three Fevers Camp near Small Point with his wife Helen in the 1930s and 40s. He wrote several songs about the local area, including “The Big Bull Moose,” “The Ballad of Sandy McNabb,” “The Ice Cutting Song,” “Harry Herman and Mary Muggins,” and “Barney Bones.” I am hoping to conduct oral history interviews with people who know about Albert Baily or knew him personally, sing his songs, or were inspired by him. Please call me at (207) 798-1657 or email [email protected] if you are interested.
Hilary Warner-Evans,
West Bath
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less