Readers write: Trump's appeal; children and dogs; the Monitor's purpose
Trump’s appeal to voters
Regarding the Jan. 25 cover story, “The Trump effect”: The article’s insightful analysis underplayed the substance and appeal of Donald Trump’s campaign message. It is not an exploitative Trump fantasy that the United States longs for a dynamic chief executive. It is not groundless fear or tea partyism that keeps Mr. Trump rolling, and not only with Republicans. It is a well-documented, publicly felt need for a leader who is perceived as being able to make America exceptional. Effective leadership is as always a matter of perception.
Albert L. Weeks
Sarasota, Fla.
Teach children to love dogs
Regarding the Jan. 11 cover story, “The dog savior”: Saving thousands of the estimated 1.2 million dogs from being euthanized is a remarkable accomplishment. The work by Greg Mahle with his nonprofit rescue road trips as well as those willing to adopt rescue dogs is inspiring. But perhaps a long-term focus should be on helping to change the culture of animal abuse through education. Programs presented to Boys & Girls Clubs, preschools, or churches by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or by those in the South who care deeply for their dogs would help to prevent this inhumane treatment of dogs. To change this culture of ignoring lost, abandoned, neglected, or abused dogs, it is best to start by educating children using inspiring role models such as Mr. Mahle.
Linda Griffiths
Blaine, Wash.
A century of purpose
Regarding the Jan. 18 Monitor’s View “The underreported good news”: I am reminded of the 1960s slogan of General Electric: “Progress is our most important product.” To me, the Monitor’s reporting of progress has always been sown in the fertile soil of worldwide hope and aspiration and is in so many ways spot on in fulfilling its founder’s stated objective, “to bless all mankind.” Thank you, writers and editors, for more than a century of attention to this important purpose.
David McClurkin
Beachwood, Ohio
