Letters: What does Trump get out of slashing troops in Germany? Time for ‘silent majority’ to speak up

What’s in it for Trump?

President Donald Trump’s recent slash of American forces in Germany from 36,000 to 24,000 was seen by some pundits as just another favor to strongman Vladimir Putin of Russia.

For me it triggered memories of when NATO was new and I was a GI at 1st Infantry Division headquarters in West Germany in 1954-55. The U. S. force was five divisions plus extra armor and artillery.

Our three regiments, based at three small German cities, faced in an arc toward the Fulda Gap, through which it was feared massive Russian tank armies could attack from East Germany. Those three regiments did serious soldiering in the field.

Back at headquarters in Wurzburg many of us were chairborne soldiers. Although on maneuvers I once almost lost my section’s Jeep plowing through some bottomless mud, the closest we came to simulated danger in barracks at Wurzburg were alerts in the middle of the night. We grabbed our carbines and moved out to an alert area in the forest.

Today Putin’s “kleptocracy” threatens American institutions with cyberwarfare hackers. In any case, Trump was never a worrier about the strength of NATO. In 1986 and afterward his thoughts were on a deal for a Trump hotel in Moscow; later the Trump Organization made millions from sale of condos in Miami and Manhattan to Russian oligarchs.

So the question is not how much his favors to Puitin weaken NATO. The real question remains: What’s in it for Trump and the Trump Organization?

Time for ‘silent majority’ to speak up

I am part of the “silent majority.” We get little publicity in the media even though we are the majority of our citizenry.

We have strong family values. We salute and honor the flag, and would never kneel in disrespect to Old Glory, as it represents the last best hope of our people. We respect and honor our service men and women, including those wearing blue. A few have been shown to be evil, but the overwhelming majority of our police protect us from the bad guys (unless their city leaders have them stand down).

Our only direct input to the federal system is electing our congressman and president. At this time, unfortunately, violent and socialistic groups, funded by people from this and other countries, have infiltrated those with legitimate concerns and have been allowed to burn and destroy public and private property. This must end.

Silent majority members believe that precise rules for voting is sacred to our system. In the current system, the precinct verifies that these rules are followed.

Voting by mail is permitted. It is called an “absentee ballot” The official “absentee” ballot is mailed to registered voters once it has been authenticated. Those folks who want anyone to be able to pick up a ballot and send it in are not concerned with authenticating who is voting. This cannot stand, or we will make elections a fraudulent exercise.

Wake up America, before our country is taken over by the “Loud Minority”!

Richard Sodergren, Bellefonte

Vote Biden to restore decency

Last month, my kids and I spent several afternoons delivering Joe Biden signs to happy supporters across the Centre region. Over the weekend, we learned that, in a concerted effort, dozens were stolen in Bellefonte, Park Forest, State College borough and Howard.

While stealing political signs may seem like a petty prank, it’s part of a culture of disrespect, lawlessness and intolerance the current president promotes. Can we really survive four more years of a president who encourages and embodies such bad behavior and division?

I am voting for Joe Biden for president because he will restore decency to the office. I am voting for an America that will treat its neighbors with kindness and respect again.