One of the apolitical organizations I donate to is “The Civil War Trust” (Website: Civilwar.org). The organization solicits funds to preserve acreage at Civil War battlefields. I am a big Civil War buff, and have always thought we should do more to preserve our nation’s heritage, so I willingly contribute towards that end.
Recently I received a fundraising letter from them asking that I contribute to match a personal gift made by Donald Trump. The money quote from the letter:
“Will you help me match a personal gift made by the President of the United States for Civil War battlefield restoration?”
“That’s right, President Donald Trump, showing how much he personally cares about our nation’s battlefields, has donated the first one-fourth of his 2017 presidential salary — $78,333 after taxes — to help the Antietam National Battlefield.”
They go on to say that this is not a political or partisan message, and went so far as to enclose a card I can sign thanking Donald Trump!
I am livid at what they have done — either through greed or stupidity they have allowed themselves to be “played” by Trump.
Donald Trump refused to condemn the actions of racists in Charlottsville, Virginia, going so far as to blame "both sides" for the violence there - even though one woman was killed in a brutal attack by one of the racists. That is not Trump's only transgression - much of his appeal is directed towards racist voters. Yet “The Civil War Trust” takes pride in the fact that Trump has contributed to their organization, either not understanding or not caring that he is using them to give him cover for his racism.
Soon after Trump’s comments defending the racists at Charlottesville, several CEOs on Trump’s Manufacturing Council resigned in protest over Trump’s remarks. The Civil War Trust executives should use them as an example.
I wrote “The Civil War Trust” a blistering letter letting know how angry I am at them for their support of Trump, but I’d like some help. I attached their website address for a reason. You can go to their website and email them, letting them know exactly what you think of their action.
I still like the intent of their organization, but they are completely tone deaf on this issue. We fought our Civil War against racism. Their action in supporting Donald Trump is helping to perpetuate it.