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Letter to Editor: Trump has been a participant in over four thousand legal actions filed by him or against him and his organizations encompassing a variety of issues: Political campaigns, taxes, Trump casinos, defamations, contract disputes, divorces, overtime pay, personal injuries, real estate, mistreating women, trademarks, Trump University, employment cases.
At least 70 new cases have been filed since Trump announced his candidacy.
According to an article in the Washington Post, Trump’s strategy is “Admit nothing, deny everything, lie, disassemble, and prevaricate. Make false and scurrilous accusations to demonize your adversary,” as witnessed by the judge in Trump’s recent trial.
It is evident that, by his personal involvement in numerous and often unnecessary litigations, Trump does not have the patience or skills for negotiating consensus or compromise. He hires lawyers to litigate.
In the democratic process, as president, he needs the ability to accept “give and take” to frame workable and acceptable policies and legislation.
The same holds true in the international world of politics, by making unilateral decisions that impact other countries without consultation breeds lasting animosity and generates resentments. Trump withdrew from critical and major agreements that took long periods to reach consensus, and in some, the security of the US is now jeopardized.
He withdrew from the five nations agreement with Iran which enabled us to physically monitor their nuclear bomb building restrictions.
He refused to support Article 5 in North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, that supported the mutual defense clause.
He withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO).
He withdrew from the Treaty of Open Skies that is setback for international arms control.
He withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership composed of 12 nations.
He withdrew from the climate Paris Agreement endorsed by 195 nations.
Trump’s long-standing pattern of behavior of employing massive litigation and making quick, unilateral decisions does not bode well for America and our allies.
Gerry Snyder Ely, MN
