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Letter: When did immorality become a ‘style’?

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press as Director Robert Redfield, right, looks at the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Friday, March 6, 2020. President Trump's trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, briefly scuttled Friday because of unfounded fears that someone there had contracted the coronavirus, was back on, giving the president another chance to calm growing alarm about the spread of the virus in America. (Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

I am becoming weary and increasingly angered by Republicans excusing Donald Trump’s outrageous behavior as president as just his “style.” Governor Herbert used this term this week, saying he will vote for Trump, although “sometimes we don’t like his style.” Please. It is not “style” to exhibit behavior that most parents would not allow in their children. It’s not “style” to lie. It’s not “style” to call people names, belittle, bully, or use racist language. It’s not “style” to commit fraud in business, insult women, pay off porn stars, or demand absolute loyalty in a democracy.

When Moses issued God’s Ten Commandments, he wasn’t talking about demanding better “style.” When Jesus spoke about turning the other cheek and loving thy neighbor, he was not urging a change in “style.” When Mohammed commanded to speak the truth, honor our promises, and be kind to our neighbors, he wasn’t referring to our “style.” When did corrupt behavior become just a question of a different “style”?

When they witness it, I fervently wish Republicans would have the moral and political courage to call Donald Trump’s behavior what it is: juvenile, inexcusable and wrong.

Jean Cheney, Salt Lake City

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