Beauchamp letter: Donald Trump
One of our presidential candidates embodies, even embraces, all of the following character traits: dishonesty, hypocrisy, bigotry, misogyny, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, rudeness, crudeness, crassness and narcissism. Throw in contempt for science, history, facts, truth and political correctness (aka, manners). Add a propensity toward hollow promises, conspiracy theories, innuendo and self-adulation; along with a dash of pandering, insulting, inciting, bullying, manipulating and flip flopping and we have … drumroll please … Donald Trump. He’s the man.
Yep, he’s the man who made his alleged billions by “working the system,” i.e., avoiding taxes, exploiting bankruptcy laws and buying favors from politicians. He’s the man who says what’s on his mind even when he knows he’s lying. He’s the man who knows how to stir up an audience with fear and hatred, willing to say whatever it takes to get applause and votes. He has shown repeatedly through words and actions precisely who he is, a self-promoting charlatan.
No sane person would include such charter flaws on their resume for any job application, let alone president. Yet, somehow, many admire him. Wow. I guess there really is “a sucker born every minute.” Now … about that bridge I’m selling in Brooklyn.
Tex Beauchamp, Meridian
This story was originally published June 4, 2016 at 12:08 AM with the headline "Beauchamp letter: Donald Trump."