Letter comparing Trump to Hitler short on facts

Re: Sept. 7 letter from Teddy Altreuter, “Trump’s call to rid America of ‘certain people’ echoes Hitler”

It was surprising to read this fact-less article. Let me tell you the truth as lived by the son of a legal immigrant born of a Jewish mother in the 1930s.

Germany was not devastated by a ruinous war. Germany in the 1930s suffered the same consequence as did the United State in the 1930s Great Depression. Germany turned to the Nazi Party and Hitler who believed in Aryan Supremacy or the Master Race to force certain self exportation of the Jews. The exportation would allow more jobs and the wealth left by the Jews would be confiscated for the government.

During the same period of time, the U.S. government deported 1.42 million legal and illegal immigrants. They were rounded up like cattle and transported to the bus and train stations to be deported. If you lived during the 30s, as I did, there were riots and people in depression looking for work.

It is true, as stated, that the United States is a nation of immigrants, however, we are a nation of legal immigrants. The 1917 Immigration Act was passed and it required immigrants to be able to read, write and pass rigorous medical exams. They were quarantined, as my mother was before allowed in the United States.

I do not support Donald Trump. I am appalled when people attack other people with unsupported statements. Mr. Altreuter stated, “Hitler threw out the certain people.” Fact: the German Jews left because of oppression, as did many other German citzens in the 30s.

As stated in the article, we are a generous and compassionate nation. However, ask your Native American citizens about how they have been treated and how we have revoked many of the treaties as signed by our past presidents.

The writer lives in North Myrtle Beach.

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 2:28 PM with the headline "Letter comparing Trump to Hitler short on facts."