Here we are, where wealth inequality and an extreme form of capitalism must be contributing to unrest among people of almost every constituency in our country, and who do we have for a president but someone who makes his living out of catering to those who are benefiting the most from this societally unworkable arrangement? I see an irony in this.
In the limited times when I have watched this character present himself on TV, I have been impressed that he can speak as though he really cares about our country. It can seem as though this projection must be real.
However, I ask, what does he want in return for his apparent love for our people? I consider no one who truly cares would want to behave contrary to one’s conscience and better instincts.
As a child, I knew a story where some young people had to go into a castle that a scary and dangerous giant had filled with Limburger cheese. In order to endure the strong, unpleasant smell, the young people had to learn to turn their noses upside down.
While the 45th president can be less off-putting than charming, I find that the work of opposing his rule reminds me of that children’s story. One must desensitize one’s self to his effects in order to oppose the harms that he is visiting upon our people, and the world.
Mary Hayden Hall
South Hadley