I am disappointed in President Donald Trump. He held the country hostage with his demand for $5.7 billion for a wall that would show people from all the countries of the world that they are not welcome here anymore. He threatens to close down the government once more if funding for that wall is not provided.

A wall is not the answer. Criminals are always going to find a way in, but decent people would be kept out.

I am disgusted with government officials. I don’t mean to say everyone in the government, but too many lack the courage to speak up for justice’s sake. The shutdown was insane and a slap in the face of government employees. National security was at stake and could be again.

President Trump is out of control and needs to be confronted and convinced that there are better ways to govern.

“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Are those just words? Or do Americans remember what they really mean?

This nation became the United States of America because the people once stood together.

Lou Giard, Turner