"Popution Control" Tom Denton Letter to the Editor

Population Control

Without using Mitt Romney’s 2012 terminology of “self-deportation” of undocumented immigrants, Donald Trump has successfully implemented the policy. Increased, aggressive efforts of immigration agents and threatening publicity have had their effect. Immigrants are disappearing from English tutoring programs—disappearing from public life in general—are withdrawing their children from schools, and are working hard to build funds as they prepare to leave the country.
Similarly, the President seeks to “bend the cost curve” of our national health care with a policy of “self-expiration.” Under the repeal and replace health care proposal of Trump/Ryan, lower income and older Americans will have the freedom and choice to refuse health insurance they cannot possibly afford. Being patriotic and proud, they will do their expiring in the privacy of their own homes, without burdening the overtaxed health care system. Voilά.

Presidential Postscript: must double down on the first pogrom (oops, program). Damn Democrats.

Publishing History

NP Times 4/6
PJ, Other Gannett papers 4/7
Kingston Freeman 4/16

"The President's Values" Tom Denton Letter to the Editor

The President’s Values

It is often said that a budget, whether that of a government or a family, reflects the values of its creator. On March 16th the current President’s budget was released. A short, selected list of his priority items:
--eliminate sources of funding for the Meals on Wheels program for seniors
--cut 19% for the National Institute for Health, which researches cures for cancer and other diseases
--eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
--eliminate funding for rural clean water initiatives
--cut funding for school lunch programs for poor children
--eliminate funding for climate change research
These items might be categorized under “Health.”
Budget Director Mike Mulvaney said the budget plan draws from Trump’s campaign promises. “We wrote it using the President’s own words” . . . [going through] “his speeches”. . . [and] “articles that have been written about his policies. We talked to him.. . . We turned those policies into numbers.”
Therefore, culling through other Trump speeches and videos, we can anticipate additional budget proposals:
--funding for Hillary Clinton’s incarceration after we lock her up
--a beautiful, unbelievable new Miss Universe pageant with a “pussy grab” competition
--a special “quick strike force” to take out protesters at his rallies
--arts funding . . . for cultural exchanges with Russia
Of course, no President’s budget ever goes through the Congressional meat grinder without changes. In the end, we are left with a heartfelt expression of this President’s values when he gets his hands on power.

Publishing History

NP Times 3/30

"Moral Equivalence" Tom Denton Letter to the Editor

Moral Equivalence

In a February 5 interview with Bill Reilly of Fox News, Donald Trump asserted that he did “respect” Vladimir Putin of Russia. When Reilly replied that “Putin is a killer,” Trump said, “A lot of killers. We got a lot of killers. What, you think our country’s so innocent?” There are a number of things the President can do to cement his suggestion of “moral equivalence” between the governments of Russia and the United States:
1) follow through on his pledge to “lock her up.” Like Putin, he can jail his primary opposition leaders, or to be certain of their silence, arrange their deaths on the streets or in hotel rooms. And of course, seize their assets . . .
2) Do more than berate reporters, tell them to shut up, or refuse to grant them a question. Have them removed from the press briefing room in handcuffs and charged with … think of something. And focus on getting those slander and libel laws changed.
3) Ensure that oil and gas companies have free rein to dominate the economy, and drill, baby, drill. Spigots will flow and prices will return to $100 a barrel immediately. No need to worry about seizing their assets; they’re already completely in his pocket. And the Secretary of State . . . LOL.
4) Keep a close eye on Republicans in the House and Senate. Up to now they’ve barely registered a peep, but it’s possible a stray dog might go public with a challenge. In that case, flood him or her with personal insults, get the “fake news” team working, and, if necessary, plant “evidence” to kick start a criminal charge. Both leaders and rank and file will rubber stamp whatever he wants.
5) Delegitimize the judiciary system until it is a chorus of eunuchs (never mind the women—there aren’t that many female judges). He’ll need them to advance 4).
This is only a partial list and does not cover the possibilities with foreign policy adventures. In the meantime, keep up the longstanding dialogue with the Kremlin to smooth the transition to an authoritarian state.

Publishing History


Albany TU 3/7
NP Times 3/16
Northern Dutchess News 3/22
Daily Freeman online 3/11
Oracle 3/8