To the editor:

On Nov. 28, President Trump ripped on Gov. (Tim) Walz on “Truth” Social calling him “seriously retarded.” He accused Walz of “allowing an influx of Somali migrants to take over his “once great state.” describing Somalia as a “hellhole” country that is “filthy, dirty, disgusting and ridden with crime.” Trump claimed “Somalian gangs are roving Minneapolis streets while Minnesotans stay locked in their apartments and houses” Statements quickly proven false and deemed racist.

That Trump chose to mock the most vulnerable people in our society under the guise of a political insult is abhorrent. But then I recall he mocked a disabled reporter during his first term. Yet then, and now — the Republican party, from the top down remain silent and refuse to call him out on his language. Hey GOP: Can’t blame this one on Joe Biden.

As the mother of a beautiful son who suffered serious inexplicable disabilities throughout his life, Trumps remark is incredibly cruel and callous. Keith was a spunky guy who fought against tremendous medical odds until he died four years ago. Keith had more strength and character in his little finger than Trump has in his entire body.

People with disabilities in our communities face daily challenges to their physical and mental health. Community support is whats needed — not ridicule from an entitled, corrupt billionaire.

I stood up for Keith, and stand up to this President to speak out against his vitriol — because words matter.

Pat Booker

New Ulm