The Reader: Donald Trump and his relationship with the truth

Philip Delves Broughton’s article [“Teetering on the Edge of Civility”, October 30] caught the general mood in US politics but left an inaccurate impression of where the battle lines are drawn. To say that Donald Trump “sees himself as a radical truth-teller” without qualifying that statement as absurd is irresponsible.

That can only be true insofar as Trump is a pathological liar —deluded into believing his own untruths. In The Washington Post the conservative commentator Max Boot reminds readers that Trump has told an average of eight demonstrable lies a day while in office.

To say he sees himself as a radical truth-teller is thus to pander to what he and his base want: an environment where “truth” is the freedom to spout hate in the guise of championing “free speech” and combatting “political correctness”.

It is precisely because Trump chooses hateful lies over truth that the atmosphere in the US has become so poisoned that murders are being committed in the name of right-wing fantasies spread by Trump.

Without a doubt Democrats are angry, too. But if Democrats have been uncivil, then it is not to incite offensive action; it is to defend against the steady encroachment of Trump’s GOP (Grand Old Party) on America’s political norms. Furthermore, there was no Democratic “mob scene” at the Kavanaugh hearings. Two vocal protestors does not a mob make.

By quoting Senator John Cornyn on this, you are giving a platform to precisely the false and inflammatory rhetoric used by these alarmist politicians to destroy American unity to serve their own — and their wealthy donors’ — private interests.
Susan Welsh

Dear Susan

Thank you for taking the time to read Philip Delves Broughton’s piece. As you say, President Trump either knows that much of what he says is openly, and demonstrably, untrue, or he is a pathological liar. Both options are alarming.

But Philip’s article looked at the consequences. Why do so many Americans believe or tolerate his lies, and how should those who do not believe them respond? Should they deplore what he does, and allow him to call them weak — as he is doing over immigration, sending troops to the Mexican border partly in the hope Democrats will oppose it, or should they join the descent into rage and incivility? If Trump comes out on top in the mid-terms, the moderate opposition you describe will surely be one of the victims.

Julian Glover, Associate Editor (Comment)

Every Bonfire Night untold numbers of hedgehogs are harmed or killed in bonfire piles across the country. We are asking people to move piles of material just prior to lighting it. If the pile is too big to move, use broom handles to poke into the pile and lever it up, then use torches to look inside and listen for signs of life.

After moving or checking carefully, light the pile from one side only to allow an escape route for anything that you have missed.

If a hedgehog is found, keep it in a high-sided box with an old towel or torn newspaper in the bottom for it to hide under. Offer meaty cat or dog food, cat biscuits or hedgehog food and only water to drink.

Place the box out of harm’s way in a shed or garage until the festivities are over and the fire totally dampened down then release with some more food if possible.

Hedgehogs are in decline and need all the help they can get.
Fay Vass
British Hedgehog Preservation Society