I have always been proud to be an American. But I no longer find that to be true. I am embarrassed, horrified and mortified at the direction our country is going under the leadership of this president.

Our long-term allies are subject to tariffs willy nilly, wreaking economic havoc there and here at home. We bomb boats and kill without due process proving guilt. Some American cities are subject to an almost military takeover.

Alex Pretti, a man legally licensed to conceal carry, is killed. Granted he was armed, but his gun was holstered. The only thing he was holding was his phone. Alex was labeled a homegrown terrorist. Yet when the Capitol was attacked by hundreds of protesters carrying long rifles, they were labeled patriots peacefully protesting.

The president crows about the money being brought in by tariffs. The estimates range anywhere from $200 to $287 billion, depending on the source. According to the Keil Institute, foreign countries are only paying 4% of that amount. The rest is absorbed by American businesses and consumers. It is in effect an additional tax on the American public.

Had President Barack Obama been doing these things, he would have been crucified by the Republicans. I realize our Democratic lawmakers have faults, but it’s long past time for Republicans to stand up and put a stop to what is happening. Both parties need to work together to change the direction our country is heading. This is not the America I grew up in.

Margaret A. Rhodes,

Center Township