Letters: Trump presidency ‘worse than expected’; Farm workers need wage protection now

Trump presidency ‘worse than expected’

In 2016 I had concerns about Donald Trump’s fitness for office. I understood why his newness to politics, economic views and national security goals would appeal to some voters. But I still questioned how they could view this man as a statesman who could lead our country.

Now, I question myself. Now I realize I underestimated his shortcomings.

I saw how he twisted facts, but I hadn’t seen him casually lie, deny the lie even when it was taped. I hadn’t grasped how uninterested he was about U.S. history. I didn’t anticipate his resistance to science experts. He underpaid construction workers, but I didn’t foresee he’d treat others with similar disdain. I saw him bully Republican opponents, not realizing he’d do the same to Senate Republicans. I knew he was self-centered, but his lack of empathy for others still shocked me.

It has been worse than expected. The so-called swamp is swampier, many allies don’t trust us, our national debt skyrocketed and we’re more deeply divided.

The last two months have been a nightmare. Yes, the coronavirus would have reached our shores no matter who was president. We can’t blame a virus on Trump. But we can hold him responsible for ignoring early warnings from medical experts. We can hold him responsible for some of the subsequent deaths and economic problems. If he were a responsible leader, the overall cost to Americans could have been much less.

I feared he’d be dangerous, never dreaming it would be like this.

Farm workers need wage protection now

The Trump administration plans to cut the wages of farm workers in an attempt to help the agriculture industry in the United States. However, these cuts will put millions of farm workers into financial distress.

During the current COVID-19 crisis, farm workers are essential employees. They have kept fresh produce in our grocery stores at a time when Americans are increasingly running out of groceries or having to rely on community food banks for basic necessities. While many people are either unemployed or have an option to work at home, farm workers are on the front lines to meet harvesting deadlines with little PPE, in fear for their safety. The CARES Act has provided $2 trillion in aid to individuals, industries, small business and hospitals. Yet, millions of farm workers are ineligible to receive aid, are not guaranteed paid sick leave and worry about losing their jobs.

This is not the time to disadvantage anyone putting their health on the line during a global pandemic to feed a nation. Congress needs to allocate economic resources to expand COVID-19 testing, give paid sick leave to workers and block President Trump from taking money out of the pockets of anyone on the front lines of the pandemic. Stand with NextGen PA and add your name to the petition to expand financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic today.