Trump style reflects New York roots
Having grown up in New York, I may have a deeper understanding of Donald Trump’s desire to make America great. As an entrepreneur who has created thousands of jobs, Trump wants every able-bodied American to have a hand up instead of a handout, the dignity of a good job versus the indignity of food stamps.
As a successful investor, Trump knows that capitalism harnesses human greed for the greatest good for the greatest number. Socialism produces Venezuela. As a patriot, Trump wants America to have the world’s strongest military, so evil will fear us.
In World War I and World War II, America invented the idea that a nation captures enemy-occupied land only to return it to its rightful owners. The Russians have yet to learn that.
Attending a distant high school, my friends and I spent 45 minutes each way on the subway, laughingly cutting and chopping each other. In no way did this affect our love and respect for each other. Even my California wife was surprised that my family could loudly argue and still love each other.
In dealing with non-New Yorkers over the years, I’ve toned that down, and so can Trump. Strength and compassion: that’s the New York way.
Roger Minassian, Fresno
This story was originally published May 25, 2016 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Trump style reflects New York roots."