To the editor:

I’m writing in response to letters from Bill Kuhlmann and Helen Pfiffner, who were both responding to my letter.

Bill and Helen, I hope you were offended by my use of the word “deranged,”  just as I was when the word was used by Joe Spezia Sr. in the Call on April 12 when he used the words “Liberal Derangement Syndrome” to describe Green Park Ward 1 Alderman Michael Broughton.

Helen, at least you were civil and passionate re: your beliefs.

We have given President Donald Trump many opportunities to be a different kind of president, but unfortunately he continues to lie, deceive the American people and continues to be this racist, misogynistic, narcissistic person who sees himself as a king and not a president.

Everything he has done, every law he has passed, every regulation that his lackeys have rescinded has either benefited him personally or people who show blind loyalty to him.

He and his people interpret the law as they see fit, and any news report that exposes his lies or devious business dealing by either him or his family is fake news.

He has alienated countries that have been our allies for decades, yet praises people like Putin and Kim Jong-un, who are dictators that kill anyone that opposes them.

What is wrong with this picture? Trump is like a petulant man-child who thinks he can just “wing it” when it comes to serious world issues that affect everyone. Sad.

Bill, your response was typical of the tribalism that makes up most Trump supporters.

Blind loyalty and name calling just like Trump, with simplistic suggestions to complex problems. You stereotype every liberal or anyone who disagrees with you.

I too served in the military including a tour in Vietnam. The freedoms we believed we were fighting for were for everyone, as you right-wing Republicans think only you have First Amendment rights.

I am not going to engage you in another discussion on gun control and school shootings. You want more signs, I want stricter background checks, and holding parents/caregivers responsible for allowing these kids such easy access to guns.

Bill, I would be more than happy to discuss this further with you any time and any place as long as you commit to listening and not resort to name calling and mocking people that you disagree with.

We are a divided country because we listen to too many conspiracy theories, and are not willing to consider the other side’s point of view. That’s called compromise, and it is necessary for the healing process to begin.

Jim Kaznica
Oakville