Editor, OBSERVER:

A recent (Feb. 6) commentator proposed his theory of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and theorized symptoms of the condition. The writer supports President Trump while applauding Trump’s “persuasive” message.

I don’t share that support, but I do seek common ground with conservatives. We can agree, for example, on the need for immigration reform. But the sight of masked and armed men assaulting citizens is going too far and is a valid cause for my “derangement.” President Trump assured us he’d go after the “worst of the worst.” Instead, his actual goal is a “Don’t Come Here” message to immigrants, collateral damage (including dead humans) be damned.

Justifying harmful means is easy enough, if you prioritize outcomes over everything else. It is “deranging” for me to realize how many fellow Americans justify any ICE means. It’s especially “deranging” when elected officials condone this path rather than engage in the hard work of legislative reform.

And what is this gleeful willingness to slap the “insurrectionist” or “domestic terrorist” label on peaceful protesters? It’s cancel culture in the extreme. Ironic, when compared to Trump’s campaign rants about freedom of speech versus censorship.

A second commentator to the OBSERVER (Feb. 12) asserted that he can’t understand why the actions of ICE “raised the ire of many residents of Minneapolis … who must like hardened criminals roaming their streets.” Good grief. The residents witnessed assault on law-abiding neighbors and friends. If someone enters our country illegally, that is not a violent crime. It does not make them hardened criminals. Trump could have funded and bolstered the processes already in place for handling undocumented immigrants; instead, he’s spending a fortune on instilling fear.

To the extent that severe Trump Derangement Syndrome exists, it’s not a good thing, but Stubborn Loyalty Syndrome is equally real, and it’s worse.

GAIL A. CROWE,

Fredonia