Head Start is what deserves federal backing | Letter

I am disgusted by the Trump administration’s decision to go after Head Start.

It is despicable to push a $1.5 trillion budget for the military while seeking to decimate a program that has a long history of effectiveness for elevating the lives of poor children. Particularly because the likelihood of a war on our own soil is still remote. Geographically, we are protected by two oceans. Our detection systems have become very sophisticated. Geopolitically, we are surrounded by allies. It is unlikely Canada or Mexico will attack us.

Any military action on foreign soil is an offensive action rather than defensive, no matter how politicians try to spin it. That makes every one of them a war of choice.

We have an outsized military for our own needs. But politicians, especially this administration, like to live in the world of “What if we have to go to war?”

I suggest Mr. Trump and Mr. Hegseth start thinking in terms of diplomacy rather than military action. Their swagger is ineffective — and obscenely expensive. And it seems the victims are going to be poor children looking for some small advantage to pull themselves out of poverty.

Jo Trafford
Portland

Copy the Story Link

Tagged: featured letter, letter to the editor