Recently, the American Legion invited President Trump to address its gathering in Phoenix. I am astounded that such an organization full of genuine heroes would want this charlatan in their midst.

A man who had a total of five deferments during the Vietnam era, the last of which was for a heel spur (the exact foot escapes my memory) had no business there. This had to be a decision at the executive level, for the rank and file I believe would never have voted to extend him this invitation.

President Trump also degraded Sen. John McCain in referring to him not as a war hero — because he was captured and spent many years in a Vietnamese prison. Is this the epitome of ignorance or just plain evil?

In his latest action, he granted Sheriff Joe Arpaio, an early and ardent supporter, a pardon even before he was sentenced to six months. His pardon list may indeed grow as soon as Robert Mueller and his colleagues are finished with their special investigation.

As pardons seem to be in order, perhaps Trump’s parents should be issued a posthumous pardon for unleashing him on this poor country.

God bless (or help) the United States of America!

— W. L. Poole

Salisbury

Poole is a former member of the Harold B. Jarrett Post American Legion Post.