President Trump's Narcissism ... Again — Letters that should have been in the new york times

To the editor:

3.20.20

David Brooks (NYT, 3.20.20) speaks of the crucial role of solidarity during this unprecedented time but only hints at President Trump's repeated efforts to destroy the very cohesiveness demanded by this crisis. He insists on using the xenophobic taunt of the 'Chinese' virus. He makes the mind-boggling statement that the Federal government is 'not a shipping clerk' in response to the shortage of necessary supplies for health professionals. He uses repeated falsehoods to defend his self esteem rather than attacking the real threat of a pandemic. President Trump has repeatedly illustrated how severe narcissism is antithetical to the solidarity needed to fight this challenge successfully.

Insofar as we are coming together as a country, it is in spite of President Trump not because of him. I hope that on election day there will be a resounding rejection of his destructive brand of politics, an opportunity for renewal by embracing a solidarity, not against the virus, but against a President who has threatened the fabric of our society and the world.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg