Opinion: Democrats boycotting the inauguration are playing into Trump’s hands

To the editor: A minority of Democratic Congress members will disrespect the president-elect by boycotting his inauguration. (“Boycotting the inauguration may be the right protest but the wrong battleground,” Opinion, Jan. 17)

One can say Donald Trump deserves some blowback because he insults and disrespects constantly. However, by trying to do him one better, this group of lawmakers will exacerbate the dreadful divisions that are ever widening in this country.

Conservatives are seething over what they see as sore-loser disrespect by Democrats. In my view, these attitudes play into Trump’s hands. The inauguration boycott enrages and energizes his base.

Trump’s insults are responsible for his remarkable success. The boycotting Democrats are now grist for the insult mill. The more they engage in the politics of protest and disrespect, the more Trump will be able to marginalize them.

Girard Fisher, Tehachapi, Calif.

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To the editor: I voted for Hillary Clinton and believe that his personality and that of his team make him unfit to lead America. But it is not wise for the Democratic members of Congress to boycott Trump’s inauguration.

It is not about them or Trump. It is about America and what we stand for. We must solve problems together, no matter what.

Talk and make things work. Do not divide us further. We have enough problems to solve.

Shaula Lopez-Martinez, Los Angeles

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To the editor: If anyone still has a doubt that Democrats have guided this country onto the wrong path, they needn’t look any farther than the lawmakers refusing to attend Trump’s inauguration to confirm it.

These people have put their delicate feelings above the good of our country.

Bob Wallace, Las Vegas

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