Celia Hartnett: Trump’s traits

If there’s one thing we can expect when an irrepressible New Yorker voices an opinion, there will be another one ready to argue. Fact is, I agree with much of what the writer said in the July 8 letter “Trump adds pizazz.” Donald Trump doesn’t pull punches and says what he thinks he’d do, if elected president, heaven forfend.

Others may agree with him. If so, they oughtn’t be elected either because what Trump says is full of hatred, racism, classism, misogyny and ignorance. Those are not characteristics people develop because of geography. Trump’s beliefs make him an embarrassment to every city and town in America.

As a native New Yorker, I cringe because of his association to my hometown. The New York I grew up in was somewhere people of different nationalities and faiths mostly got along. I was taught not to judge people because of differences, and I preferred not to be judged because of mine.

I join with the letter-writer in not voting for Trump. My irrepressible New York personality will find a better candidate.

I hope with greater fervor that Trump’s vitriol backfires. Instead of spreading hate, may it increase tolerance and understanding throughout the United States.

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Celia Hartnett: Trump’s traits."