Prior to 1935 there existed in Pennsylvania a cause of action called “alienation of affection,” used by a scorned spouse against a party responsible for her or his failed marriage. Listening to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent speech, this principle came to mind.

Why do I feel that President Donald Trump’s Machiavellian agenda has alienated our international friends, leaving us alone? (And, decidedly, Trump’s embarrassing speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, did not make the United States look great again!)

World leaders who have indulged Trump’s narcissistic obsessions for so long have obviously lost their patience, and here we are — alone.

Alone with a president who continues to put us at risk. Particularly at risk are the children who are being hauled away to detention centers by masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement goons. We have also been put at risk by the Trump administration’s evisceration of clean air and clean water laws, relaxation of gun regulations, violations of international law, authorization of warrantless searches by ICE and lies surrounding the killings of a mother and a nurse at the hands of federal agents. Trump has also threatened to bring the military into “Democratic cities.”

In addition, we are seeing reductions in social services that benefit children and older Americans.

Where is the outcry? Your kids are at risk!

To evangelicals and those who espouse “pro-life” values: Why aren’t you on the rooftops screaming that this is not the “pro-life” agenda you voted for? Or do you still believe this mendacious president is going to lead you to the promised land?

We have reached moral dystopia and too few are raising the alarm! It’s not just frightening — it’s shamefully inexcusable and an abandonment of our duty to our children!

Melvin Hess

Lititz