Presidential lies may be more harmful than virus
Over the years Trump has been president, it is well known he tells lies on a regular basis, and this has been documented by so many television appearances few citizens would question such a finding. I am sure he is not the first president to engage in this subterfuge, but he is in a class by himself because how often he runs from the truth. Not only does he lie at the drop of a hat, but his track record before becoming president shows that on many occasions he defaulted on business agreements leading to numerous lawsuits and bankruptcies, which often left his uninsured creditors out in the cold.
As a result of this reputation, our allies worry in any negotiations whether he is being truthful and, if they reach some type of agreement, whether he keep his part of the bargain. The problem with having a reputation of lying and breaking promises, is it's almost impossible to convince others that you have reformed.
An example of his contempt for the law is illustrated by Trump publicly criticizing federal judges who were president over ongoing cases, usually dealing with a close friend. Any other citizen who committed such a violation of the law would be arrested forthwith and charged with obstruction of justice, but due to the ruling of his side kick, Attorney General William Barr, that a president cannot be charged with a crime, there was no sanction for this blatant violation of the law. In addition, his use of pardons for convicted felons, again usually friends of his, is just another example of how he snubs his nose at the law.
His attempt to deal with the coronavirus have been a disaster, in particular because of his delay in accepting its enormity, and his waiting to take action has caused deaths to skyrocket. He continues to disagree with the health care experts (which is not surprising since the public well knows he believes he is smarter than the experts) and his remarks often give the public a false sense that the virus is under control. Trump's comment that the restrictions now in place on public gatherings will not be necessary by the Easter church service on April 12 is beyond belief. As the virus is continuing to spread exponentially, he is saying it's time for the public to go back to normal day-to-day activities.
It is clear if states that are asking for federal assistance are critical of his policies, he will punish them by delaying the requested help, a way of getting even with his distractors, which is causing a great many unnecessary deaths. This is particularly bad for the health care providers who are in urgent need of equipment and protective gear for themselves, and are paying the price by themselves coming down with the virus.
You know, Trump's presidency may be more dangerous than the virus itself.
Bass Trumbo
Fayetteville
Commentary on 04/01/2020