To the Editor:

We remain a deeply divided nation, anger being the common denominator. Many have trouble understanding the popularity of Donald Trump, others love him. It is hard to see us coming together, but we need to try.

Donald Trump famously said his supporters would remain loyal, even if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue, and that rings true. He values loyalty, and his supporters are unfailingly loyal.

But what if, instead of shooting someone on Fifth Avenue, Trump aimed his gun at those supporters? Would they remain loyal? Would they ever speak up? Because with his Executive Order removing subsidies some need to pay for health insurance, and his proposed “tax reform” (tax relief for millionaires), his weapon is aimed squarely at voters who love him, while telling them he has their best interests at heart.

For those in the heartland, with real bills, real struggles, Donald Trump is coming for you (us).

For anyone needing health insurance for current treatments, or protection from financial ruin, will they continue to support President Trump when they cannot afford healthcare? How about when lifesaving treatment is denied, or when they go bankrupt? Or when our government sustains trillions of dollars in lost revenue, by giving tax cuts to billionaires and government services are cut at every level, and our great-grandchildren will still be paying off the nations’ debts. Will that loyalty be worth it?

Senators Patty Murray (D) and Lamar Alexander (R) are working across the aisle, with support of much of Congress, to find workable fixes for the Affordable Care Act. They do not want to endanger citizens, and they hope to provide stability to the insurance market, vital to providing good coverage. Stripping subsidies from those who need them is not needed and will hurt millions of Trump supporters. It is being done to provide a way to pay for tax breaks for the top 20 percent, not for blue collar Trump fans.

The President’s homes are literally gilded palaces, while American citizens struggle for food, housing, healthcare and education and thousands need federal help to recover from hurricanes, floods and fires. His golf getaways and vacations for his extended family charge millions on the taxpayer’s credit card. Even his cabinet members have racked up bills for private travel on the tax payer’s dime.

Trump wants fans to show up at rallies to cheer and buy pricey merchandise. But really, whose interests is he representing? Don’t read his lips, read his actions.

Since Trump only pays attention to loyal supporters, only they can change his behavior. If Trump is your guy, let him know that you care about losing healthcare subsidies, and that you do not think he and his wealthy friends should bankrupt the country to give themselves tax cuts. It is up to you. If you do not speak up, do not blame anyone else. Time is wasting.

Megan Karth,

Town of Lanark