Letters to the Editor — Peace Prize, NATO, conservatism, bobcats, Bruce Springsteen

Blaming Norway is wrong

To the American NATO ally Norway, the president remarked that he is no longer concerned with peace and intends to take Greenland. That seems to only confirm the recent decision made by the Nobel Foundation about its Peace Prize.

Notable, too, were the similar, previously voiced Trump complaints to Denmark’s government, even though that NATO member and ally also has no sway with the independent Nobel Foundation regarding its actions and findings.

As parts of a nongovernmental and privately endowed organization, the Norwegian Nobel Committees meet independently to determine the nominees and the winners of the four Nobel prizes. Since the awards recognize outstanding achievements and humanitarian efforts from remarkable people around the world, exactly what does our president think qualifies him to win this prestigious award?

V.C. Patterson, Carrollton

Why is U.S. harming NATO?

Vladimir Putin’s lifetime objective might come to fruition without firing a single shot. With President Donald Trump’s ridiculous and absurd notion of taking over Greenland just because he was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the future of the NATO Alliance will be in jeopardy.

The collapse of NATO has been Putin’s lifetime objective, and his good friend Trump is doing the bidding on his behalf. How foolish to witness a U.S. president threaten a lifelong member of NATO and, moreover, Denmark, a close friend and ally of the U.S. for over 200 years.

Why is this Republican Congress silent on this dangerous stunt? When is Congress going to rein in on this dangerous and autocratic president? Is this really what the MAGA base elected him for?

Bassim Nathan, Dallas

Conservatism’s dilemma

Re: “We’re ignoring conservatism’s racial baggage — Tolerance of racism on the right excludes me as much as the foolish extremes of the left,” by Joshua Whitfield, Monday Opinion.

Whitfield is unmatched in his ability to construct an essay such as this, but, unfortunately for him, few people grasp what he’s saying, except for those in academia who can translate his words.

He embraces conservatism, he could never support liberal ideas that support causes he finds vile (use your imagination), so in the face of the systematic racism he sees on the right, he finds himself as he states, “a political orphan.”

What a conundrum. Hopefully, Father, you’ll find an answer.

Jon Hasenohrl, Corinth

A ‘convenient fairy tale’

This opinion piece by Whitfield is through an interesting lens— rewriting history. Funny how it doesn’t mention the fact that Republicans are the ones who ended slavery in 1865, and equally interesting how it doesn’t mention that Southern Democrats were the ones opposed to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

And finally, Malcolm X said the white liberal is the worst enemy to America and the Black man.

We know facts are hard to accept, but Whitfield’s column, whatever point he is trying to convey, is indeed a “convenient fairy tale.”

Janet Worthington, Plano

Thanks to 2 columnists

Thanks again to Whitfield for his latest column concerning the conservative movement in America, historically and today. He and Peter Johnson are the two who stand up for the ongoing fight for civil rights. Please thank them for me.

Cynthia R. Gudgel, Denison

Protect pets; respect wildlife

Re: “Trapping has no place in cities,” by Karin Saucedo, Jan. 12 Letters.

It was encouraging to read Saucedo’s letter against trapping bobcats.

After over 50 years enjoying the bobcats who hunt along the creek flowing near my South Oak Cliff home, I know beneficial coexistence is very possible.

But you must not neglect your pets since they are vulnerable to being hunted. Respect the wildlife we are blessed with.

Bill R. Betzen, Dallas

Like a king

Bruce Springsteen is a legendary rock ’n’ roll star whose greatest talent, arguably, is his epic songwriting skill. His words resonate so powerfully because they convey truth and amplify what we believe in, in such a brilliantly evocative way.

The lyrics in “Badlands,” one of his most brilliant songs, says: “Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king, and king ain’t satisfied ’til he rules everything.”

Think about it, if this isn’t the most perfect description ever of Donald Trump, then I don’t know what is. Trump is rich and powerful, like a king, but it sure feels like he won’t be satisfied until “he rules everything.”

Ken Derow, Swarthmore, Pa.

Presidential contradiction

In one breath, our president praises the protesters in Iran, referring to them as brave patriots. In the next, he disparages the people of Minnesota who are doing the same thing, referring to them as hostile radicals.

The president has vaguely pledged assistance and support for the Iranian protesters, but who comes to the aid of Minnesotans? They are on their own, forced to suffer as much abuse as the president wishes to levy upon them, and no one is coming to help.

David Seay, Plano