Letter to the Editor

Editor:

The Southeast Iowa Union 'Empty Nest” column of Oct. 13 recalls a visit to Jerry's Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant by then Sen. Joe Biden during his first presidential run.

I had the honor of organizing the event.

The Iraqi war raged at the time and the entire focus of the senator and those attending was international relations and war. Biden was brilliant in his command of the issues. We were enthralled with his vast experience in statesmanship, skills in diplomacy and dignified delivery.

Biden's warmth of personality and firm but gentlemanly nature made this a truly memorable moment.

I know and admire Joe Biden as much as I have any leader.

Wednesday in Des Moines Donald Trump raged that 'Joe Biden has lost it...and in his best days was not a smart man.”

Trump's words continue to be despicable.

I feel disdain for this talk as I do when Trump derides another hero of mine, Senator and Vietnam war veteran John McCain.

Trump repeats this degradation of true patriots through propaganda news outlets. I know people who follow only one such outlet.

These souls are not being informed. They are being indoctrinated.

The broadcast networks that helped build our country when radio and television were invented and led America through nearly a century of troubled times have been NBC, CBS and ABC.

Thinking people consider them all to shape reasoned views. Victims of propaganda do not.

Joseph Goebbels defined these people and controlled their minds. He'd be proud of Trump and his products. Goebbels' victims had little choice. These victims do.

Donald Trump has succeeded on one point. He has divided America. I buy it.

My disdain extends to those who swallow this hateful rubbish. I may lack Biden's gentlemanly dignity. My disdain will not diminish easily.

Dave Helman

Salem