How can presidential candidate make 'American great again' with racist rhetoric?

Don't Americans deserve better? There is growing anger and alienation among Americans who are becoming convinced that the "American dream" is a mere mirage. Working hard and playing-by-the-rules no longer guarantees one's getting ahead today. Why?

We're living in an era of globalization where international trade, robotics, "cheap" labor, etc. have eliminated too many lower and mid-level jobs in the U.S. Fifty million Americans, i.e., one of every six, live at or below the poverty line while median annual household incomes have virtually not budged for a decade. Is it a wonder why people are disgusted?

This is happening without the considering the impact of the illegal immigrant issue that exists in America. It's not difficult to understand why so many are angry, Let's do something about it.

Some issues to be discussed at the Republican and Democratic debates: 1) living wage for workers, 2) investing in education for youth, 3) increasing social mobility, 4) improving our deteriorating infrastructure, 5) avoiding the bankruptcy of Social Security, 6) reviving manufacturing growth in America.

These are only a few of the ideas that ought to be discussed instead of the bickering, cussing, discussing "hand" size, and, in general, making a mockery of the Constitution.

I hope Americans collectively are disgusted by the activities of our political "circus."

One last item: How can a candidate who is racist and xenophobic be considered for the presidency? Recently, this candidate responded to a heckler by encouraging anyone in the audience to physically subdue the protester so he must be carried out on a stretcher, and I'll pay the court fees. This candidate changes his platform almost daily, and he's had his audiences "pledge allegiance to himself." How can such a person "make America great again?" Maybe we're better off without him.

Terri Kemper

Bradenton

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "How can presidential candidate make 'American great again' with racist rhetoric? ."