Your reporters and headline writers, and the entire USA Today Network, have been feeding Donald Trump’s ego and doing our country a great disservice when you reference what happened in Washington on June 14 as “Donald Trump’s parade.” “Wisconsin Republicans cheer Trump’s military parade but do not plan to attend” June 12.
The U.S. Army has been planning a celebration of its 250th anniversary for years, under more than one president. The anniversary dates from the Continental Congress authorizing an army for the United States of America as a whole. True, Trump has been trying to make it “All About Me” as he does just about anything happening in the world.
But, by calling it “Donald Trump’s parade” you are ceding the ground, aiding and abetting his well known narcissism. Next you will be making it impossible to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence without making that “Trump’s declaration.” The better approach is to report on the 250 anniversary of the army of the United States, and leave Trump entirely out of the story, except perhaps for brief mention that he was there to watch.
I might also note that the 250th anniversary of American independence is an eight year rolling celebration which has been notably absent from most press coverage, with rather limited official observance. A few towns in Massachusetts celebrated the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, but hardly anyone anywhere else did, including in Washington, D.C.
This is our celebration of the origins of our common country and all the contributions people of every race, creed, color and national origin made to bring it about. And yes, there were Americans of African descent among the Minute Men, there were Irish Catholics willing to rise against the British Empire, there were Jews devoting their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to the cause, and there were Oneida, Stockbridge, Tuscarora, among other nations playing vital roles throughout the war. Also there were women serving in the army, although they had to do so under disguise.
Charlie Rosenberg, Milwaukee
Opinion: Trump’s military parade was like over-the-top wedding that ended up a flop
Opinion: Milwaukee County Parks should not be used for housing developments. Period.
Tips for getting your letter to the editor published
Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state:
Please include your name, street address and daytime phone.
Generally, we limit letters to 200 words.
Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter.
Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing.
Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person.
We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions.
We don’t publish poetry, anonymous or open letters.
Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months.
All letters are subject to editing.
Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Leave Trump out of Declaration of Independence coverage | Letters