To the editor:
I think the tweet last week from the president about transgender service people has a wonderful side story that comes under "Every cloud has a silver lining."
As distasteful, bigoted and misguided as his decision was, the very good news is that it offered so many high-ranking military leaders, national political leaders and news people an opportunity to come out with statements in support of trans individuals who are now serving. In the written press and the television media, they were everywhere. And in my email inbox were more statements of support of trans service members and allies from various national organizations, as well as leaders of groups whose members are not necessarily LGBTQ-focused.
The president may or may not get his way in the end, and if he does that would be a great loss for our military as well as our community—but the backlash was so good to hear. I only hope that these results continue to flow in our direction. Maybe the president will not be able to overcome this wave of positive support any more than he was able to get his disastrous healthcare bill ( TrumpDontCare ) passed.
Norman L. Sandfield
Chicago
