A betrayal of Christians by Trump
Every Christian knows Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
President Trump claims to be a Christian while pushing legislation that represents the greatest transfer of wealth from the poor to billionaires in American history. His bill decimates Medicaid and social programs that serve native-born American citizens who are sick and needy — the very people Jesus called “the least of these my brethren.” When Trump attacks programs for the poor and disabled to give tax breaks to himself and other billionaires, he betrays Jesus Christ. He does unto the least of Jesus’ brothers exactly what he does unto Jesus himself — abandoning them for personal gain.
Trump wrapped himself in Christian faith while stabbing Jesus in the back through his policies. He used Christian votes to enrich himself at the expense of those Jesus commanded Christians to protect.
What a heartbreaking betrayal of Christians who trusted him to honor their faith.
Joe Connett, Ventura
Fathers intended to limit power
So the Supreme Court continues to pave the way for an increase in the power of the executive branch. When the Constitution was written, the Founding Fathers were so afraid of executive power that it took a ton of compromises to agree on a “head of state.”
The article in the Constitution establishing the powers of executive office is 12 sentences. The section outlining the power of the Congress is 76 sentences. They were so afraid they decided on the title “President” for the executive office. The root of the term is to “preside” which is defined as structurally different than to “lead.” That was intentional.
The Founders intended for the legislative branch to lead and the executive to simply “preside.” Obviously, the executive branch has grown in power over the years and at the hands of all political parties, but it is worth remembering that the Founders clearly did not intend for the power being accumulated by Trump and his administration to be legal or wise.
G.E. Murphy, Simi Valley
Could rule of law get back in play?
Re: USA TODAY’s June 28 story, “Justices lift birthright order blocks”:
President Trump is delighted with the Supreme Court’s opinion in the birthright citizenship case and with the author of the opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Make no mistake about it, when the merits of the issue are resolved and, should they not favor Trump’s positions as reflected in his executive order, the tone will change. This is especially so if such an opinion were to be written by a conservative member of the court or joined in by one or more of the conservative majority.
The court will be attacked and the administration’s obligation to comply with the rule of law, not simply the rules it likes, will be back in play.
Maurice M. Garcia, Newbury Park
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters to the editor: Trump betrays Christians; founders tried to limit executive power
Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
