Close shave for Donald Trump

Luckily, former US President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania. It was a close shave for Trump as a bullet grazed his right ear, leaving his face bloodied. An attendee was also killed in the gunfire. Fortunately, the shooter was soon neutralised by the Secret Service personnel present there. Shortly after being hit, Trump got up to his feet and defiantly raised his fist in the air. This has led his supporters to hail him as a hero. A moot question is: how will the incident impact the outcome of the presidential election? Further, the shooting should prompt the US authorities to reflect on the gun violence prevalent in the country.

PV Madhu Nivriti, Secunderabad

Tone down political rhetoric

Ex-US President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had a narrow escape as gunfire erupted at his rally in Pennsylvania. This is not the first time that a US President has faced an attempt on his life. Many political observers have rightly noted that massive polarisation in the US, fuelled by hate-filled rhetoric, is to blame for the attack. Trump also contributed to it when he refused to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, claiming that it had been stolen. His denial of the election loss had prompted his supporters to storm the Capitol building. The Pennsylvania incident holds an important lesson for politicians and activists around the globe.

R Narayanan, Navi Mumbai

Time for Biden to step aside

Several congressional Democrats have called on President Joe Biden to drop out of the race and give way to a candidate with a better prospect of winning the November elections. Some major Democratic donors are also mounting pressure on the incumbent to ditch his re-election bid. Concerns about the decline in Biden’s mental acuity seem genuine. Just last week, he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as ‘President Putin’. The 81-year-old has himself publicly acknowledged that Vice-President Kamala Harris is qualified to lead the country. It is time for Biden to step aside.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Stay united in face of terror threat

Refer to ‘A Jammu shift in Pakistani strategy’ (The Great Game); the recent terror incidents have triggered panic among not just locals but also those planning to visit the state-turned-UT that is famous for its tourist attractions and shrines. The newly formed Narendra Modi-led Central Government should review the prevailing security situation in Jammu and urgently take steps to restore peace and normalcy in the region as soon as possible. Besides, political parties must stand united in the face of terrorism and extend support to the security forces.

Deepika Chawla Watts, Abohar

Same game, new trick

Apropos of ‘A Jammu shift in Pakistani strategy’; the author has lucidly analysed how there has been a geopolitical move from the Muslim-majority Kashmir to the Hindu-majority Jammu in the strategy. This is evidenced by the recent spate of terror attacks south of the Pir Panjal. The change has certainly come as a relief for Kashmir residents. Pakistan has realised that peace in the Valley can no longer be shattered that easily, thanks to effective militarisation in the region. Pakistan wants to draw attention through its diversionary strategy in Jammu ahead of the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.

Gurpreet Singh, Mohali

BJP must stop raking up the past

Refer to the news report ‘June 25 a day to pay tribute to Emergency victims: PM Narendra Modi’; the move is an attempt by the BJP to rub salt in the decades-old wound. Notably, from demonetisation and mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic to the electoral bond scheme and poaching of corrupt leaders from other parties, the saffron party’s own track record is questionable. Therefore, the ruling regime condemning the Emergency is a classic example of the pot calling the kettle black. It is time for the BJP to stop raking up the past to target the Congress.

Avinash Godboley, Dewas (MP)

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com