Letter: Time for Republicans to stand up for America

I was puzzled throughout the 2016 campaign by the white hot hatred on display at Trump rallies. These were not just boisterous partisan political gatherings, these people were filled with hatred, for Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, liberals and even Republican leaders like Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Paul Ryan.

Now I get it. The Republican Party sold their soul in the 60s to attract the support of racist southern Democrats and the racist/fascist demonstration at Charlottesville was one manifestation of those chickens coming home to roost.

A significant part of Donald Trump's base is racist. Indeed they could be heard yelling heil Trump as they marched. When Trump tried to defend these thugs he jumped the shark. He is morally unfit to be president. Many Republicans, such as Sen. Joni Ernst and Gov. Kim Reynolds, have released statements condemning racism and bigotry. We should expect this from elected officials. The problem is the president. When will Republicans find the moral courage to tell the president that this is unacceptable? Or will they continue to look the other way because he's on their team?

Tom Jacobson

Riverside