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Letter: Trump wouldn’t dare spout fascist sentiments

(Andrew Harnik | AP Photo) President Donald Trump speaks with the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in Washington. Trump is en route to Orlando, Fla., to announce his bid for re-election.

Re: “Trump is desecrating America’s birthday,” by Eugene Robinson

On the Fourth of July, will President Trump be disciplined enough to stick with his prepared TelePrompTer speech? Or will he spontaneously lapse into Trump-rally mode? Can you imagine Trump, on the Fourth, appearing at the Lincoln Memorial and saying the following?

“You joined our movement because you rejected the failures and betrayals of the past. ... You reclaimed your destiny, you defended your dignity, and you took back your country.”—President Donald J. Trump, Montoursville, Penn., rally, May 20, 2019.

Trump does not evidence sufficient ideological coherence to qualify as a fascist. He does, however — as the above quote indicates — have a fondness for fascist memes.

But there is no cause for alarm. No American president in his right mind would utter such fascist sentiments on Independence Day. To do so would ill befit the dignity of the presidency.

Andrew G. Bjelland, Salt Lake City

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By Andrew G. Bjelland | The Public Forum