Letter: Trump a danger to America

Donald Trump vows that he — and he alone — can fix all of our problems. Just let “King Donald” have the reins and everything will be fine.

Well, the American people know to be wary of a would-be strongman. Our welfare does not depend on any one person. We are not looking for a ruler. The Revolutionary War was about shedding the oppression of a despot king. Our forefathers designed a system of government by “we the people.” We will not go back.

In recent days, Trump has threatened our national security in two important ways.

First, he has publicly questioned the U.S. commitment to defend other NATO countries if they are attacked — unless they pay more money into NATO. This is perceived as American weakness by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is why Putin wants Trump elected.

Putin is looking to destabilize Europe, and Trump is playing right into his hands. If Trump is elected, Putin will likely attack Ukraine and other European countries, and draw us into war. We as a nation sacrificed too many lives and too much treasure during World War II, creating a free and independent Europe, to now allow Trump and Russia to undo it all.

Second, Trump invited a Russian cyber-attack on our nation just to try to win the election. Encouraging such espionage on America is outrageous, dangerous and un-American. It sounds like an act of treason.

Together, these two irresponsible acts disqualify Trump as a candidate for president.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 3:37 PM with the headline "Letter: Trump a danger to America."