We can all appreciate President Donald Trump’s desire to keep a campaign promise by building a wall, but why is he threatening to shut down the government if Congress doesn’t agree to force the taxpayers to foot the bill? Has he forgotten his unilateral declaration that Mexico would pay for it?

I try to be supportive of our presidents as much as I can, but Trump has to be the most divisive president in history. His strengths primarily include blowing his own horn while blaming everybody but himself for his low approval ratings and condemning anybody who doesn’t agree with him.

Most presidents fight for their beliefs while remaining diplomatic. Trump reminds me of a totalitarian dictator.

Jim Gardner

Kaimuki

A kinder, gentler time

In the spirit of this holiday season, and after what some consider a particularly divisive election year, we invite you, dear readers, to write in about kindness — something so special, touching or positive that it should be shared with our community.

Send a 150-word letter, or a commentary at 500-600 words, to letters@staradvertiser.com by Dec. 19 evening. A collection of these will run on Dec. 23, just before Christmas.

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.