Editor:
The relationship between the United States and its traditional partners has been upended beyond belief. There is no understanding the logic of the recently revised U.S. policies that have caused the members of the European Union to reconsider their need to preserve their economy and security.
We know Mr.Trump was promising radical departures from long standing traditional partnerships however, those who did vote for him did not hear any pre-election comment from Trump that he was planning to fire thousands of hard working civil servants and realign America with our traditional adversaries such as the Russian Federation.
Now, instead of mutual trade agreements, tariffs are on the table. Immigration, the backbone of American growth, not any more! Say hello to your neighborhood ICE agent enforcing a surreptitious racist policy. This is not who we are. We have done better and please pray we will do so in the future. It is fortunate that the European Union has coalesced together and provided a united front on the largest battlefield in Europe since WWII, now taking place on sovereign Ukrainian soil. A Ukrainian defeat is not only a European defeat but will be felt around the globe in places such as Poland and Taiwan.
In light of this attempt to destabilize order in Europe and throughout the world one must ask the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, to forgo the annual visit to the White House with the time honored gift of Shamrock in a Waterford bowl. It is simply not in the best interest of the Irish Republic to have the Taoiseach in the same room with an insecure President who thrives on every opportunity
for a photo op and shows such disdain for his fellow leaders in the western world.
Should the Taioseach choose to travel to the United States perhaps he should forgo the White House and start the morning with Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and join the faithful in the walk up Fifth Avenue. The day will provide many celebrations that will offer the opportunity to meet his fellow Irish citizens in a friendly New York crowd.
James P. Kelly, Huntington, NY
The writer is an adjunct professor of political Science at St. Joseph's University, Patchogue, NY.
