I am a Christian, and I get upset when it is assumed that all Christians have the same worldview. I do not believe that Donald Trump survived the assassination attempt because he is God’s chosen one. There is no godliness in the things he has done and said. He survived because God is compassionate. My hope is that Trump takes the grace he was given and acts toward others with the same compassion and empathy. — Icy Cade-Bell, Tinley Park Democrat assign blame It was a very interesting week watching the Democrats blame everyone but themselves for Donald Trump’s landslide victory. Most interesting were two items in particular. A morning talk TV talk show blamed “uneducated white women” for Kamala Harris’ loss, and Clarence Page followed suit in his Nov. 10 column “Will Dems learn from a humiliating loss?” by saying it was in part “young white men without college degrees.” I guess these folks don’t think these groups of people are smart enough to make what they feel is a correct choice. Please keep it up! This way of thinking ensures Republicans will continue to win elections in the future. — Dave Bohac, Willow Springs Price tag for America Regarding the article “Trump on Day 1: Is his list possible?” (in print Nov. 11): There is no “price tag” for Donald Trump’s plan? Well, of course, don’t dare prioritize the things we actually need most in our country, such as better schools, a cleaner environment and serious crime prevention. Don’t attempt in any way to unite our nation. Go right for the jugular on your sure-to-be-infamous “first day.” Direct our resources, instead, at attacking the vulnerable and not building up our citizens. People who fled their homelands for safety and a better life — like our forebears did — who couldn’t get through the red tape to become citizens? Just round ’em up, raid their places of business and get ’em out of here. No matter how much it strains our economy, how much it destroys neighborhoods and further divides us all. No matter how expensive, no matter how cruel. No matter our certain inability to find anyone willing to do the work they do. Our nation’s history is filled with ignorance and cruelty, so go ahead, enlist your fellow power-hungry bullies and point your egotistical guns, and take us back in time — to the stories y’all are now banning in our schools. No matter how it crushes our souls. Oh, wait: There actually is a price tag. — Phyllis Beattie, Winnetka Trump ran on identity White male pundits are falling all over themselves to claim Kamala Harris lost because her campaign ran on “identity politics.” When you actually look at her campaign and Donald Trump’s campaign, Harris did not run on identity. It was Trump who ran on identity 24/7. Pundits say he won on the economy. His voters saw two people: a candidate with policies, plans and ideas and a white man. Their perception was that a white man would be better for the economy. His identity as a white male is the reason he won. Harris didn’t lose because she ran on identity. Trump won solely because he did. White male pundits are blind to this because they share Trump’s identity. — Amy Crider, Chicago We can figure it out In response to the letter from Margaret A. Melville of Cedarburg, Wisconsin (“Voting against what’s best,” Nov. 8) stating that millions of Americans just voted against their own self-interest: Her statement perfectly sums up why Donald Trump got elected. The voters are tired of being told what their own self-interest is. They are capable of figuring it out on their own. — Mark Behrendt, Chesterton, Indiana Who is behind damage? The Tribune Editorial Board’s editorial “Illinois and Trump are no match made in heaven. But they’ll have to work together” (Nov. 10) claims that Donald Trump has done significant damage to Chicago’s international reputation since the days of Mayor Rahm Emanuel by using it as a punching bag. Sure, Trump has taken his shots at Chicago, but the question should be asked: Who has done the most significant damage to Chicago’s international reputation? I’m a lifelong resident of Chicago and its metro area, and there is a long list of perpetrators I can think of before I get to the president-elect. Collectively, those at the front of the line are known as the Chicago Democratic machine, many members of which have been well documented in the Tribune’s “Culture of Corruption” series. The players change over time from Richard J. Daley to Emanuel to Lori Lightfoot and now Brandon Johnson, but the results have remained the same. The machine has been in control for more than 60 years. Members of the machine are responsible for the failed education system, the lack of public safety, the exodus of citizens, the financial failures that are the city’s pensions, and the budgets for Chicago Public Schools and the city, despite Illinois having one of the highest tax burdens in the nation. These are the issues that have damaged Chicago’s reputation. Let’s give credit where it is due. — Daniel Mackin, Northbrook State of climate action In response to the business article regarding a setback for climate action (“Experts fear Trump’s win to set back climate action,” in print Nov. 9): I agree that a second Donald Trump term will be more damaging and am distraught because of it. Business experts have made the connection between climate disasters and higher prices in the economy, especially the insurance industry. We need a bipartisan effort to continue progress toward reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the only logical path forward. — Leona Hubatch, volunteer, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Riverside President-elect no patriot While we have to accept the results of the presidential election and support our great country, I am disappointed in the results. I speak on behalf of my husband who served in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. He passed away three years ago partially due to a presumptive condition caused by his exposure to Agent Orange. Many years ago, my husband and I visited Washington and somberly paid respect to all the war memorials. My husband broke down in tears walking past all the names inscribed on “The Wall.” My father was a prisoner of war in Germany. Our president-elect has shown no respect to these servicemen. He attacked a real hero, John McCain, and called veterans losers and suckers. He couldn’t be bothered to honor a World War I memorial in France because of inclement weather and took advantage of photo-ops at Arlington National Cemetery. He now will most likely evade all prosecution for many alleged crimes. This man is not a patriot. — Gwen Placek, Western Springs The main factor in loss I’ve been watching the news and watching my fellow Democrats pointing fingers at each other trying to figure out how this humiliating loss could occur. In my opinion, every conclusion is possible, but the main factor has been overlooked. Twice, America has been offered a very well-qualified woman as a candidate for president, and twice, America has turned down that candidate for an inexperienced, unqualified person in Donald Trump. I think it is time to realize that America is a misogynistic society, and until that changes, we, at our loss, will not elect a female president. This makes no logical sense, but step back and look at the situation. You may very well discover that I am right. — Frank W. Tedesso, Harwood Heights Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].