Jonathan Friedland is clearly right when Donald Trump says he is turning the US into a mafia state (Journal, March 7), but we should assume that there is always a possibility that he would do so.
The concept of “America First” showed that the United States understands to the world that it not only stands ahead of others, but that it has a global acceptance that it is the only real superpower and holds a moral right to that position. Trump's rave reviews can be seen as a response to discovering that this is by no means true. The truth is that other Western countries foolishly and unnecessarily support the United States in this delusion. Now we all have to pay the price.
It is possible to resolve at least some confusion, but Europeans (and I'll include the British in that description) should be extremely wary just to pick up where the US might leave. Russia is a disability. Ukraine is a disability. Some EU countries may turn out to be obstacles. However, we should be aware that the UK and other NATO members have contributed to creating this situation since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Thirty-five years ago, Russia was willing to become a cooperative partner with the West, but led by the US, Europe sought to characterize it not as a new refined nation, but as a hungry wolf at European borders. This also needs to be paid, but this should not involve abandoning domestic spending that can dramatically improve normal life for militarization. The second mistake does not correct the first one.
Michael Bowers
Targers, Powis
Jonathan Friedland's portrayal of the US president as the boss of the mafia should shock us or entertain us. Sadly, it's very accurate. There is a risk that we attribute the chaos and chaos that Donald Trump has made his character a whim. It's far more sinister than that.
Trump's guiding principle is to deny the basic human rights of all people who do not reflect his own self-image. Only those who see him as strong, assertive, wealthy and assertive, are worth it to him. Those who do not fit this image are deemed unworthy of his attention. This belief applies to many of his fellow Americans, from which he removed access to medical, employment and welfare assistance. To the victims of war and hunger, where he retracted financial aid and support. And even from longtime US allies where he imposed tariffs and sanctions. This is the raw politics of dictators and plunders, conquerors and fugitives.
The world has suddenly become a much more dangerous place for all of us. Friedland is right that Britain must break our umbilical dependence on the US and work with its European neighbours to help establish a strong anti-force against the disorderly Trump administration.
Peter Riddle
Worksworth in Derbyshire
Jonathan Friedland's mafia analogy to Donald Trump is useful, but as he dodged the assassin bullet, another dimension of Trump's personality emerged: the Messiah Complex. The bullying narcissist now believes he is the savior of the world. His anger towards him, daring to question his declaration and questioning his anger towards the source of all evil, Joe Biden suggests that he thinks he is God-inspired.
Those who stand up against free trade and Putin, previously decent Republicans, are now happy to act like members of Trump's cult and accept the right thing to overturn everything their leaders had previously thought. Ukraine has been abandoned, Russia is praised, and Trump tells us that he only knows the secret that proves Putin really wants peace. The White House is occupied by dangerous Gnostics.
Francis Bown
London
