‘Give the Country Back’? Stephen Bannon, Decoded

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/opinion/give-the-country-back-stephen-bannon-decoded.html

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To the Editor:

Re “All Is on Track, Bannon Tells Conservatives” (front page, Feb. 24):

While the Trump-Bannon team, aided by its Republican minions, works diligently to “deconstruct” our federal government, Americans are starting a movement to stand up for the core values that our military and the police have fought and died for over these 241 years.

America is a great country, and not some dystopian dark hole in the Northern Hemisphere. We don’t fear those from war-ravaged and oppressed countries but instead welcome them. We see it as a blessing that all races and religions have chosen America to improve their lives and raise their families.

We treat others with civility and respect. We don’t intimidate and make fun of others because of disagreements in politics and religion. We promote diverse points of view to deny the entry of ignorance. We hold out a hand, not a fist. We are an optimistic society that looks back with fondness, and forward with optimism and confidence.

Trump supporters should think long and hard as to why we should all give our new president a chance while the White House adviser Stephen K. Bannon speaks of taking us back to a country of one culture. That, right there, is what scares me. Without the “s” in cultures, I do not recognize this country.

BOB BASCELLI

Seaford, N.Y.

To the Editor:

On Thursday, Stephen K. Bannon said of the media, “They’re not going to give the country back without a fight!” Why did the media not pounce on this statement, which is loaded with innuendo? Give the country back? To whom?

It’s my country, too. It’s everyone’s country. It’s our country, no matter who or what party is in the White House or has a majority in Congress. Wake up! What Mr. Bannon meant was, give the country back to white Christians.

Well, if anyone is going to give it back, we should be giving it back to the Native Americans. Please don’t give this administration a free pass to speak in code! The people in attendance knew exactly what he meant.

OLIVIA KOPPELL

New York