In a recent “My Turn,” Robert Wright (Monitor Opinion, April 17) asks us to set aside discussion of Donald Trump’s character (“form”) to focus on what he considers to be the substantive part of Trump’s presidency. I wish to address both form and substance.
First of all, character matters. Our president:
1) Is a pathological liar. His lies are shameless and constitute fake news, which he claims to abhor. How do we trust such a man?
2) Is a narcissist. For those who don’t understand the syndrome, the only thing he cares about is Donald Trump. He saw his 2016 campaign as just a big infomercial. He has no concept of public service, just doing what maximizes his power and wealth.
3) Is thin-skinned, petty and vindictive. He regularly insults his perceived enemies, including American military heroes such as John McCain and Robert Mueller – this from a draft dodger.
4) Committed adultery on his pregnant wife with a porn star. He has used his position and fame to grope women and grab them by their crotch. Where is this man’s moral compass?
5) Is hardly a self-made man, having benefited from millions from his father and uncle. The result of his four bankruptcies: investors lost money, other businesses that provided goods and services in good faith did not get paid, and employees of the failed enterprises lost their jobs.
6) With his bullying tweets and actions, stands in stark contrast to anti-bullying programs in our nation’s schools. (Kids, don’t try this at home.)
Regarding the substance of Trump’s presidency, Wright is very selective. For instance, our president:
1) With Republican support, gave the wealthy and corporations a huge tax gift and finished the gutting of the estate tax. The deficit and national debt have skyrocketed. (Kids, just add this to your college debt!) Income inequality persists, and wealth continues to flow upward where it will stay. Corporations have even more money for lobbying and stock buy-backs. The system is rigged against the little guy.
2) Resists briefings, choosing to be “willfully ignorant” about important issues. He has been reckless and undisciplined. He publicly contradicts government intelligence and lashes out at briefers or staff who give him information that doesn’t line up with his world view. He is publicly abusive of Cabinet members, judges, members of Congress and staff. Considering the number of people who have left the administration, how can you not conclude that he has created a toxic working environment?
3) Has put his finishing touches on U.S. corporatocracy, where his appointments to key regulatory posts are clearly conflicts of interest. He has created a culture of corruption and ethics violations. He has no problem with environmental degradation, even though it affects Americans’ health. Regulations are designed, after all, to protect the American people. With Trump, it’s profits over people every time.
4) Has spearheaded the dismantling of our health care system without offering a viable alternative that has public support.
5) Has been completely outmaneuvered by Kim Jong-un.
6) Trade wars have proven neither “easy” nor painless for the American people. (Has he figured out yet that tariffs amount to a tax on the American people?) He loves despots and dictators, refusing to stand up for human rights. Have you ever heard him wax ecstatic about democracy?
7) Is willfully ignorant about global climate change and has undermined global progress in this domain, which represents the triumph of ideology over science. (Kids, you are on your own!)
8) Has forgotten that he has sworn to protect and uphold the U.S. Constitution. The press isn’t the “enemy of the people” but a pillar of democracy that holds government accountable. Nominated judges are not beholden to him but are a check and balance against the administrative (i.e., Trump) and legislative branches of government. The attorney general and Justice Department are not his personal attorney and protector but the servants of the American people. Trump has relentlessly sought to delegitimize our democratic institutions (deep state conspiracy, really?). Executive overreach and placing himself above the law are two enduring themes of his presidency.
9) Has treated Central American refugees disgracefully (ripping children from parents), dehumanizing them while failing to see that they are coming to the United States for the same reasons as our forefathers. (Now why didn’t Native Americans think to build a wall?) Meanwhile he has hired immigrants (rather than Americans) for his businesses for decades.
10) Has been divisive, not just in our country but on the world stage as well. The common good seems to have no meaning for him, just appeasing his base. His statements in support of white nationalists have emboldened racists and white terrorists.
And he plays golf religiously (known to cheat, however), watches TV obsessively (“executive time”) and trolls with abandon.
I look forward to November 2020, looking for a candidate who: appeals to the best in us, affirms our common humanity, and has the courage and wisdom to lead us in the greatest crisis we face: global climate change.
(Allan MacDonald lives in New London.)