Dark days

• Sir - The inaugural speech of the new president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, was full of contradictions. He said that he was "transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to... the American people", but his cabinet is full of business tycoons ("From this day forward, it's going to be only America first, America first", Jan 21). Moreover, his slogan about putting 'America first' is not new. His predecessors never did anything that would go against American interests. When George W. Bush was president, he had rejected the Kyoto Protocol, saying that he could not sign an agreement that would "harm [America's] economy and hurt [its] workers". Trump's vow to eradicate 'radical Islamic terrorism' is a hollow one, as he is yet to utter a word against nations that provide a safe haven for terrorists.

Trump also seems to be ignorant about the history of Islamic terrorism - the US's faulty foreign policy has been instrumental in its escalation. Trump's claim that foreign industries are enriching themselves at the expense of American industry is deeply ironic, as the US has economically exploited other nations. Also, Trump's populist stance is deceptive. It is at odds with his misogyny and narcissism. Racism and gender violence might increase during his stint in power.

 

Yours faithfully,

Buddhadev Nandi, Bankura

• Sir - On January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the US. Even on the day of his inauguration, he seemed to be campaigning for the elections. Although the ceremony was dignified, the inaugural speech was dark and angry. India, perhaps, should not be too optimistic about its relations with the US during Trump's reign.

Yours faithfully,

J. Akshobhya, Mysore

• Sir - Donald Trump has promised to make America great again. This lofty goal is difficult to achieve because it would require years of work and skillful diplomacy. Moreover, Trump is, perhaps, the most unpopular US president till date. The support he has from the Republican establishment is not enough to help him achieve his goals. One hopes that he manages to work through all the difficulties.

Trump has already signed an executive order to roll back the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. Most consider him ignorant and expect him to fail. But he has been known to defy expectations.

Yours faithfully,

K.A. Solaman,

Alappuzha, Kerala

 

• Sir - Donald Trump ought to be congratulated for becoming the president of the US. It is laudable that he seeks to restore the greatness of his country. He has vowed to eradicate Islamic terrorism, which is a problem that affects nations all over the world. One hopes that Trump, who has been criticized by his opponents, will be able to help India tackle its own problem of terrorism.

Yours faithfully,

Vinod C. Dixit, Ahmedabad

 

• Sir - The new US president is a billionaire businessman. Although he has spoken extensively about the suffering of Americans under the previous dispensations, one wonders if he really knows anything about problems such as unemployment. On the day of his inauguration, people came out on to the streets to express their anger against him. This was followed by women's marches in several countries. It is unfortunate that a man who is so disrespectful towards women was elected to the highest office of his land. Now, people have no other option but to wait and see what he does in the next four years.

 

Yours faithfully,

N.R. Ramachandran,

Chennai

• Sir - Soon after Donald Trump took office, his 'America first foreign policy' manifesto was uploaded on to the White House website. It declared that "the world must know that we do not go abroad in search of enemies". This is a refreshing change in American foreign policy. Much like his predecessors, Barack Obama, too, remained obsessed with regime changes in the Middle East. If George W. Bush is responsible for the mess created by US military aggression in Iraq, Obama, too should be held accountable for the terrible conditions in Libya since the removal of Muammar Gaddafi. Obama also seemed keen on a regime change in Syria. The US was reportedly helping rebel forces fight against the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. In the light of all this, the Trump administration's declaration of following a non-interventionist policy should be commended.

Yours faithfully,

S.K. Choudhury, Bangalore

• Sir - World politics is shifting to the Right. After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory, right-wing Europeans feel emboldened to express their objectionable opinions openly. They flexed their muscles recently in a meeting in Koblenz, Germany. Right-wing leaders in various countries are trying to capitalize on the growing resentment against migrants. Trump, too, rode to power by taking advantage of the rising discontent with the political status quo ("A narrower vision", Jan 24). Trump's win and the rising popularity of other right-wing leaders are indicative of the shift towards the Right all over the world.

 

Yours faithfully,

Shovanlal Chakraborty,

Calcutta

• Sir - The rise of right-wing politics in the world can be blamed on the failure of liberal governments to deliver on their promises of economic growth. Barack Obama's administration failed to create jobs for the people. Donald Trump promised to lift Americans out of poverty, so they voted him into power. Narendra Modi, similarly, was able to secure a decisive victory in the 2014 general elections in India owing to the people's disillusionment with the United Progressive Alliance government.

Yours faithfully,

Varun Agarwala, Calcutta