To the editor: Picture this scenario. You’re a high-ranking general in the U.S. military, dismissed by the president not for a lapse in duty, but because of your stances on race, equality, and protected rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. This was exactly what happened on February 21st, when President Trump discharged Air Force General Charles Q. “CQ” Brown, as reported recently.
For over four decades, General Brown honorably served our nation. Unlike some, his father did not have the means to secure a deferment from military service during the Vietnam War. Suddenly, without explanation, Brown was let go last Friday. Consider the gravity of this: A leader of such high standing wasn’t even provided the courtesy of a rationale for his termination.
It’s clear that besides losing his position, there was an attempt to publicly demean him. However, this was a miscalculation on the president’s part because no amount of malice can disgrace someone who has dedicated his life to serving with integrity.
Michal Betz, Wichita, Kan.
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To the editor: The dismissals of General Brown and Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti align with President Trump’s apparent agenda—undoing the hiring of diverse individuals in notable positions, aiming to roll back recent strides made by people of color and women, irrespective of their qualifications.
Reflecting on General Brown’s own words from 2020, “I can’t mend centuries of racism in our country, nor can I undo decades of bias that might have affected Air Force members.”
The current administration’s drive to dismantle programs designed for diversity, equity, and inclusion within schools, businesses, and organizations threatens to revert our society back to pre-civil rights conflicts, conflicts for which many sacrificed their lives. Now, more than ever, we must stand against laws and policies that resonate with Trump’s viewpoints—stances that attempt to quash dissent. The American landscape is invariably diverse, yet genuine equity remains an aspiration rather than a reality.
Our pledge to “justice for all” should be unwavering. Trump would do well to remember that.
Lenore Navarro Dowling, Los Angeles
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To the editor: With the mounting firings of military brass, including the high-profile chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. If action isn’t taken promptly, Trump might very well erode the foundational principles of the Constitution and attempt a full government takeover. He already seems to be disregarding court mandates, showing blatant disregard for judicial authority.
Let front-page news emphasize the precarious path we find ourselves on and rally those elected to the Senate and the House to act decisively before potential crises escalate.
Leonard Zivitz, Fullerton
