I am writing in response to a recent letter (“Business experience is more valuable for governing, River Reporter, October 10-16), in which the writer tried to make the case that having a business degree (Trump) is more important than to have a candidate with a background in law (Harris). 

While on the surface this may sound logical there are problems with this argument.

1. The goals of a businessman are often far different than that of a President. The head of a company has to be concerned with the bottom line and making a profit. While a President does have budget and debt issues, he also has to have a much larger agenda. For example, Mr. Trump seems to be obsessed with the idea of making sure that the U.S. isn’t spending too much money on our defense alliances, despite the arguments of his former advisers as to the importance of such alliances. 

Yes, all countries should pay their fair share but Trump’s statements about NATO has to have weakened the alliance and encouraged President Putin’s aggressiveness. There are issues more important here than money.

2. The character and abilities of the candidate are also of prime importance. We have seen businessmen who have run businesses into the ground, had policies that greatly damaged the environment and cared little about their employees. Mr. Trump has made a great deal of money, but has also been involved in five bankruptcies, the questionable Trump University, numerous lawsuits and had several of his associates end up in jail. He presently is making money selling his golden sneakers and promoting the sale of Bibles. The Bibles are presently selling for $59.99 and are printed in China. 

Of course, one could say that these are the actions of a good businessman. However, one could also ask if these attributes are really what we need in our Presidents. I would submit that a President can always choose good, honest advisors to help in economic matters. If character, truthfulness and honesty are lacking, it’s a bit more problematic.

Ed McNulty
Beach Lake, PA