Donald Trump and maga cult followers mush face reality: Watching Trump's dangerous detachment from reality

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive on line:

Evidence points out how Trump is detached from reality❓

As one witnesses Donald John Trump’s actions going from outrageous to complete detachment from reality, I wonder when his supporters will ever face the fact this man is beyond satisfying. I’m thankful a few federal judges are stopping or at least slowing some of the stupidity he has instigated.

One last thing: As I recall, he gutted some of the National Park System funding, although the parks have made more money annually than what was allocated. Recently, while researching a park visit, I found the administration imposed new fees.

Visitors from foreign countries must pay a 💲100 entry fee per person, plus ➕ ❗ 😡have a national park pass (💲15 to 💲35 per car for seven days), at 11 of the most popular national parks. 

Also, upon entry, if a foreigner is in the car all occupants must show proof of citizenship.

This is just one example of the loss of our liberty. Where does the blatant stupidity end? There is so much more to recognize here, but you all know the failures. Wake up,⏰ America❗ 

We can stop this on Nov. 3. Vote Blue❗

From Leonard Mucci in Derry Township, Pennsylvania

Question to Donald Trump and maga cult Republicans? Has Iran surrendered yet?

In response to the letter “Trump ridding the world of Iranian nuclear threat” (May 7, TribLive), I object to the letter writer because I have a thought or two.

First, didn’t Donald Trump announce last June that military strikes had “obliterated” any Iranian nuclear threat❓ If true, why strike again, this time after their leaders and civilians❓ Obliterate defined is to “destroy completely.” I can’t imagine that Trump would ever lie to the American people, can you❓🤥😒I recall him promising no more foreign wars on the campaign trail.

Secondly, it would appear that Iran has handed Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth (aka "Whiskey Pete") more problems than their genius strategy expected. Military experts warned them both of the response an attack would create. But, they ignored it and are now scrambling to win something that looks on the surface as an unlikely outcome. If the war is “won,” as Trump claims, then why is the Strait of Hormuz still closed, negotiation necessary and deals needed to be made? Thirteen service members have been killed and hundreds more wounded, and Iran is no closer to bowing to those two than the day of the first strikes. So much for a four- to six-week “military excursion.” Empty threats and boasts of victory are hollow words of weakness.

Finally, should Trump decide to “make Iran glow” - a major war crime, as he threatened, he will not only continue his path as being the worst president in modern history, he will be tried as a war criminal too. Is this entire mess what the letter writer is thanking God for❓ (Maine Writer- "War does not solve problems; on the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal."- Pope Leo XIV)

Has Iran surrendered yet❓

From Howard Cade in Franklin, Pennsylvania

Donald Trump attracts violent behavior because he preaches violence in incoherent rants

A small sample of Donald Trump’s violent rhetoric:

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive in Pennsylvania

    • 2016 rally: “Knock the crap out of” protesters; “I will pay for the legal fees.” 
    • 2020 Oval Office: He allegedly asked officials in his administration about shooting protesters in the legs.
    • 2021 Select Committee testimony: He stated that when informed that insurrectionists of the Capitol Building wanted to hang Vice President, Mike Pence, his reply was that maybe he deserves it.
    • 2023 on Truth Social: He stated Gen. Mark Milley deserves “DEATH” for perceived disloyalty.
    • 2023: He made fun of the vicious hammer attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband.
    • 2024 rally: Liz Cheney should face “a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her.”
    • 2024 speech: He stated political opponents are “enemies from within,” worse than foreign threats.
    • 2025: He stated Sen. Mark Kelly and five other veterans’ “seditious behavior” is punishable by death because they reiterated what the Uniform Code of Military Justice states regarding unlawful orders.

• Following the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller in March 2026, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead

Yet he wants Jimmy Kimmel fired and James Comey in prison (because Comey took a picture of a seashell formation on a beach, aka the "seashell indictment"). 

Do you think he and Melania even understand the meaning of the word hypocrite? Doubtful. 😒

All this from the self-declared stable genius who stated the “Jesus-like” image he posted of himself was actually him being a doctor. Haven’t you wondered why he’s had to take so many cognitive tests❓

From Jack Sillaman in Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Donald Trump and maga Republicans have done nothing- as in ZERO! - to reduce the high cost of groceries

There are things we can stretch when money is tight. But not when it comes to feeding children.  Donald Trump learned how to pronounce a new word in his vocabulary, "groceries", during his 2020 campaign, but he has driven up food prices for everybody because of his selfishly cruel tariffs. 

Echo editorial opinion published in TribLive

"'Please, sir,' replied Oliver, 'I want some more.' The master aimed a blow at Oliver's head with the ladle; pinioned him in his arm; and shrieked aloud for the beadle, when Mr Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and said, 'Mr Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has asked for more'❗"- Charles Dickens Oliver Twist

For example, that pair of shoes might have to last another month or two. Replacing the tires could wait until you get your tax return. This electric bill could get shoved in a drawer until next time, even though it will be twice as big and come with the threat of a shut-off notice.

None is ideal. Most people are familiar with that kind of economic juggling act.

But it’s hard to juggle the grocery budget.

Food is simultaneously the easiest thing to pare back in times of need and the hardest to cut down long term. Many Americans are dealing with that reality right now.

Lucy Monholland of Youngstown, a borough in Pennsylvania, is like many people. She’s trying to navigate the life her family had planned. 

As a stay-at-home mom with two kids, Lucy and her husband are trying to make do on his paycheck alone, and it’s getting hard. They’ve cut out their prescriptions. They’ve cut out a lot. But they can’t cut out food.

Groceries on average in August were the highest they have been in three years. It’s a combination of factors. Tariffs are increasing coffee and banana prices. The supply chain is still in recovery from the pandemic. Avian flu has been an issue with eggs and chicken.

But overall it costs more to feed a family. Proteins including meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 5.6% over 2024. Fruits and vegetables, among the hardest hit by tariffs, are up 1.9%.

Frugality is becoming trendy. Influencers and online creators like Rebecca Chobat of Dollar Tree Dinners are amassing followers as they help people come up with ways to feed a person for a week for 💲10 or a family for a night for 💲5.

And it is getting worse.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting prices to climb even higher, with an overall 2025, prediction of wholesale increases for beef and eggs. Milk, produce and wheat are expected to decrease. Whether that could change is hard to say. The USDA’s Economic Research Service has been suspended by the government shutdown.

What we know is kids need breakfast. People need lunch. Families need dinner. Food is a necessity, and it’s one that is being threatened at every turn.

Prices are high. Programs are being cut.

“We know the number of people we serve is going to go up,” Jennifer Miller, director of the Westmoreland County Food Bank, said in August.

Food is the fuel in the tank that makes other things possible. It lets kids learn. It lets people go to work. It keeps the juggling act going.

But if the cost of food keeps rising, eventually something is going to fall apart.

“Hopefully, it turns around, but I doubt it,” said Zack Zombek of Mt. Pleasant Township. “Once (prices) go up, nothing comes down.”

Donald Trump and maga Republicans are not likeable engage in ugly cruel nasty behavior

Opinion echo published in TribLive in 2024:

The following words were written by British writer Nate White (I replaced the words British and English with “American”).

Donald Trump (he is among bullies) lacks certain qualities which most Americans traditionally esteem. 

For instance, he has no class, no charm, no coolness, no credibility, no compassion, no wit, no warmth, no wisdom, no subtlety, no sensitivity, no self-awareness, no humility, no honor and no grace … .

And while Trump may be laughable, he never once said anything wry, witty or even faintly amusing — not once, ever ❗. And that fact is particularly disturbing to most Americans. But with Trump it’s a fact. … his idea of a joke is a crass comment, an illiterate insult, a casual act of cruelty. … he is never funny and he never laughs.

… He is that most unforgivable of all things to most Americans: a bully. That is, except when he is among bullies; then he suddenly transforms into a sniveling sidekick instead. There are unspoken rules to … basic decency and he breaks them all. … every blow he aims is below the belt. He particularly likes to kick the vulnerable or voiceless — and he kicks them when they’re down.

So the fact that a significant minority — perhaps a third — of Americans look at what he does, listen to what he says and think, “Yeah, he seems like my kinda guy,” is a matter of some confusion and no little distress to the rest of us Americans.

… Rarely has stupidity been so nasty, or nastiness so stupid.

From Jeffrey Hice in Penn Township, Westmoreland County

Donald Trump and maga Republicans causing Americans stress creating a culture of carnage- Impeach Trump Again!

 Letter to the editor of TribLive: Trump's carnage

Just where is America headed❓

Impeach Trump AGAIN!

DOGE hollows out government, Medicaid. Aid for food and medicine is slashed and FEMA’s (emergency management) future effectiveness is questioned.

Masked ICE agents arrest migrants, targeting Latinos, who are denied due process while others are raided and shackled.

The National Guard patrols in Washington D.C., with Donald Trump planning the same (illegal terror❗💥) for other cities.

Trump’s tariff war has created friction and raised prices on imported goods, making everything less affordable while the rich get huge tax cuts.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chaos sows confusion over covid-19, immunizations and Tylenol, as pseudoscience takes over.

Ukraine, hammered by Russia, sees Trump being played by Vladimir Putin, while Trump’s promised end is nowhere in sight.

Starvation haunts Gaza; we see emaciated children while we continue supplying Israel with weapons — making us also culpable.

The Epstein saga continues while Trump seems to be attempting to distract us from who really visited Jeffery Epstein’s brothels.

While Trump enriches himself in office (aka "delusional"), he fantasizes over Greenland, Canada and making Gaza a seaside resort, initiates vindictive political retribution by directing government to target his enemies, orders election meddling through state gerrymandering, uses hateful speech to demonize his opposition, and assaults our rights of free speech and press.

This is Trump’s “American Carnage”, where disorder, confusion and disarray abound.

From Ron Slabe in Oakmont, a borough in Pennsylvania

Donald Trump's evilism in the Big Ugly Tax bill will harm all working class Americans

Echo etter to the editor published in the Pennsylvania media TribLive: 

We'll all suffer under Trump administration

I believe Kamala Harris was right about everything❗ 

She warned us what Donald Trump would do if he was elected again. I believed he would exact revenge on Americans because he was not elected in 2020. You don’t tell Trump “no.” (In other words, who will tell Trump he has no cloths❓)

It’s absolutely shameful the leader of our country is a convicted felon. It seems we are the laughingstock of the world.

When Trump hired the richest man in the world to put countless people out of work, he destroyed their livelihoods, leading to possibly breaking up families and maybe much worse. And, if people don’t understand how tariffs work, they will find out very soon when they go to purchase anything.

Wake up, America❗ We have less than four years of hell in our future. I believe every American will suffer one way or another under this administration.

We need to pick one day where nobody goes to work. Then Trump would see who this country belongs to.

Thank you, Trump supporters — you are responsible for the deliberate decline of America. Now, there is only one way to Make America Great Again. Think about it.🤔 

From Rose M. Guerra in  West Newton, Pennsylvania 

Donald Trump kicks off his failed administration with fake priorities, lies and broken promises

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive a Pennsylvania lonline newspaper (Tribune Review): 

Not only are Republicans breaking with a promise to protect social safety nets for the working class, and poor people, but Trump lied about the origin of the New Orleans terrorist, who was an Americn citizen, and had no ties to Mexican, Central American or South Americn migrants.

Trump's promises and (fake) priorities:  Is anyone registering what Donald Trump is now saying about the price of groceries and Social Security?

I watched at least six times as he promised to lower prices of groceries “on Day 1.” Now he is saying it is complicated and won’t be easy (hint, it’s not 😒going to happen).

What about his promise to not touch Social Security❓

We’re already hearing from GOP Congress members that they will be looking at ways to “rein it in,” including raising the retirement age to 70 and adjusting benefits. I think what Trump is doing instead is laying the groundwork for the $4 trillion tax cut for the very wealthy and large corporations.

Speaking of his priorities, how about going after Ann Selzer for releasing a poll that had Kamala Harris in the lead? Revenge and retribution seem to be his priorities, as well as shutting down any media that isn’t his lap dog. And the people cheer, not understanding that freedom of the press is one of the bedrocks of the Constitution. We need journalists reporting on government activities that don’t align with America, not just Trump mouthpieces.

I see letters loving that he is nominating cabinet members who have no credentials or experience for the position❗ I mean, what could go wrong there❓ The absolute wealthiest cabinet group in American history with the majority being billionaires. The rest are just measly millionaires. Surely they understand our pain and problems so they will be looking out for our interests, not their own❓ If you believe that, I have a bridge 🌉 to sell you 😏.

From Karla Thomas in Hempfield, Pennsylvania

Donald Trump is a convicted sex offender who intends to spread evil with no respect for the rule of law

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive "Trump's admitted goal of retribution against his enemies would be a cancer eating away at America’s greatness."

I believe Donald Trump’s legacy will be one of conviction for sexual battery, with more pending, plus two impeachments, and four criminal indictments, with more pending.

For me, the astounding revelations and repercussions of his presidency illustrate the following:

1. How ignorant his followers are of the Constitution, federal laws and the rule of law.

2. How Republican lawmakers lack the courage and conviction to rebuff him. Their selfish desire to get reelected at all cost is obviously their priority.

3. How his followers and Republican politicians seem to ignore all the documents, testimony, and written and video evidence that displays his guilt of numerous crimes.

4. How he has already stated that, if elected, he intends to control the courts, FBI and Justice Department. This would destroy our system of checks and balances.

Trump admires Russian dictator Putin

5. His ultimate goal seems to be complete control of our Democratic polical system, like the dictators he admittedly admires, like Putin.

6. He’s changed our nation forever. The truth, compromise and cherished values such as honesty, fair play and respect for others have been replaced by lies, selfishness and strict dogma.

7. His admitted goal of retribution against his enemies would be a cancer eating away at America’s greatness.

His reelection would be catastrophic, but I believe most people are quite simply tired of him, and he’ll lose the election, if he’s not already in jail where he belongs.

Tom Tarosky, in West Leechburg, Pennsylvania

VoteBlue2024

Speaker Mike Johnson says Jesus approves of his political conduct? IDTS

 Echo opinion letter published in TribLive

Would Jesus accept Mike Johnson's conduct? IDTS🙄❗ (Especially "I don't think so" when Johnson edits out the Ten Commandments so as to make the Bible compatible with his political hypocrisy.)  Johnson overlooked the Commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" and endorsed Trump nonetheless.

Republican right wing Christian Nationalist Mike Johnson with his shadow Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.

“Bible thumping” Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana, is one of these “holier than thou” representers for Jesus. Johnson seems to think Jesus would actually accept Johnson’s obvious hatred of women who for health reasons need to have an abortion.

There are many different religions in the world, of which Johnson’s is only one. Johnson should take that under advisement, rather than claim he knows what Jesus would say. After all, Jesus never argued against abortion. Likewise, several Jewish religions have found good reasons to allow abortion. Just as a variety of different religions have given their blessings for gay marriage without shaming or punishing couples who only want to love one another.

Finally, we get to Johnson’s endorsing of Trump. I believe Trump has very little knowledge of Christianity.  (Maine Writer:  Didn't Trump hold the Bible upside down❓....just askin' 😒)

On June 1, 2020, amid the George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C., law enforcement officers used tear gas and other riot control tactics to forcefully clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square, creating a path for  the former guy, but then President Donald Trump, and senior administration officials to pompously walk from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church where Trump held up a Bible. 😧.

In fact, considering what Trump knows about morality and Christianity, I don’t believe he has any ethical compass whatsoever.

I can’t imagine Jesus, the Buddha or anyone else accepting Johnson’s or Trump’s code of conduct.  

From Leo Nagorski in Shaler Pennsylvania

Trump refused to listen to his legal team but now he is "shocked! shocked!" because he is indicted with 37 felonies

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive (Pittsburgh Tribune)

What was Trump thinking❓ 37 felonies❗

I am in utter disbelief that people not only continue to defend Donald Trump on this latest indictment, but that they also try to draw comparisons to others who had classified documents. 

Mike Pence and President Biden immediately turned everything over and allowed full investigations to be conducted.

Trump was given well over a year to return the documents, with his own lawyers advising to turn them over. The Justice Department said if he cooperated, this could be resolved. Instead, he moved and hid boxes, tricked his lawyer into certifying everything was returned when it wasn’t and was subpoenaed again; Trump’s own staff reported he was hiding the boxes.

The indictment reveals that he refused to listen to the advice of his legal team and lied to them and the National Archives. The best part of the indictment is the recording of Trump showing off that he not only had secret documents but wishing he had had a chance to declassify them. The immaturity blows me away — like a little kid showing off some cool new toy. No one wonders why his lawyers have been resigning and Trump is having trouble getting a new legal team together.

The only part his blindly loyal followers say that I will agree with is that he is being treated differently than others. 

Ha❗ Anyone else would have been locked away a long time ago❗❗😠No one believes it when he says “if they come for me, they will come for you.” Right? Unless, of course, you committed 37 felonies.

Karla Thomas in Hempfield, Pennsylvania

Donald Trump the former guy will be in the courts during his political campaigning and spending millions for lawyers

Donald Trump’s indictment on charges of mishandling classified documents is set to play out in a federal court in Florida. 

Now the Republicans that support the former guy must adhere to the rule of law. 

The former guy Donald Trump in court

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive: 

The wrongminded responses of congressional Republicans to the former guy Trump’s indictment, as described in the article, “Trump’s GOP defenders in Congress leap into action on charges after months of preparation” (June 10, TribLIVE) show, that these supporters are more concerned about Donald Trump than about the safety of our nation and the rule of law. On the one hand, they say that no one is above the law. On the other hand, they make it clear that they view Trump as being above the law.

Trump’s violations against the retention of top-secret documents, including those dealing with nuclear weapons, as well as indications that he twice showed such documents to people who had no clearance, are highly serious. Anyone who cares about the United States and the rule of law should want the allegation to be dealt with through the courts.

When was it that the party once concerned with national security lost its way?

Robert J. Reiland in O'Hara Township, Pennsylvania

Gun violence must end! Children are more important than AR-15s. Enough is enough!

Something must be done to prevent gun violence.

An echo opinion letter published in TribLive (Tribune Live), in Pennsylvania.  

I wish something could be done about gun violence, but I think nothing will ever get done. 

I deeply feel sorry and sad for the three children and three adults killed at the school in Nashville. We all mourn with every one of the seemingly endless litany of mass shootings.

There is nothing anyone can say or do to appease the losses especially when more children are murdered in preventable gun violence shootings.

It seems this is what happens when politicians preach hate, lies and fear instead of uniting a country. President Biden wants a simple ban on assault weapons.

Do you actually think some politicians want to solve any problems that make them millions in political donations from the National Rifle Association? 

After a human is born, then look at what happens? The "peaceful January 6th protest"- (HELLO❓) ❗❗❗

On January. 6, 2021, the Trumpzi-ism cult resulted in a violent mob and people getting killed. 

Abortion is another moneymaker for politicians who take donations from right wing religious zealots. 

Nothing gets done as the extremist excuses pile up.

Jokes are made by politicians about another politician’s spouse getting beat with a hammer. There’s a social media post of Donald J. Trump holding a baseball bat next to a picture of New York’s district attorney. Al Capone swung a bat to some of his disloyal criminals. The problem is, some people think this behavior is OK. 

And some right wing politicians are a joke. But the right wing extremist movement must be taken seriously and all the cult political enablers can be voted out of office.

George O. Curry in White, Pennsylvania

Trumpian lesson 101: No One Is Above The Law

This echo opinion letter was published in TribLive, a Pittsburgh Pennsylvania newspaper:

https://triblive.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-trump-brings-it-on-himself/

It is very difficult to believe but there are zealots out there that have wrongly defended the former guy Trump by making complaints about “witch hunts”. These cult followers criticize the constant justifiable mainstream media “negative” coverage reports about the criminal Trump.

Hitler Youth Salutes the Fuhrer:  Crowds of Hitler Youth salute as they listen to a speech given by Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leader, at a rally at the Nuremberg Stadium in Germany, 1937. 

First off, the never-ending Nazi-like Trump (Beer Hall Putsch) rallies and listening to him hinting at a 2024, run to keep his deranged ambitions front and center.  In other words, the former guy brings the negative attention on himself.

Second, for those criticizing the January 6th committee hearings — have you even watched them? And I don’t mean watching via your ultra right or ultra left news stations. I mean actual, form-your-own-opinion viewing via C-SPAN or YouTube. Witness after witness, from his own attorneys, aides, Republican judges and lawyers to Ivanka Trump, all confirmed that the “stolen election” was a lie and there is no evidence to support any of the accusations. Many people who once worked for Trump or were familiar with him in the White House tried to warn the American people. Yet … all of those people are the liars? But, Not Trump?  

HELLO? But as The Shovel points out, the precedent set by the FBI to execute a legal search of Mar-A-Lago, the Trumpian golf resort and part time residence, “means that anyone who evades taxes, attempts to undermine an election, sexually assaults women, manipulates the value of their assets, uses state resources to enrich themselves or aids and abets the overthrow of a democratically elected government will be subject to investigation.”

Is this where we want America to go? Where we prosecute those who blatantly break the law? IOW, no one is above the law. 

Karla Thomas in Hempfield, Pennsylvania

Calling on affordable or preferably free insulin for diabetics

As a registered nurse, I have cared for many-many diabetics over my career and my maternal grandmother, who was born in the late 19th century, was one of the first diabetic patients in the U.S., to benefit from insulin, when she was diagnosed with diabetes:

Insulin is produced by the pancreas, but diabetics suffer from a the lack of natural pancreatic hormone production.

Echo editorial opinion by Lori Falce: The crippling cost of insulin

Published in TribLive, in Pennsylvania news. 

Insulin is not just a drug. It is important to know that insulin a hormone. The pancreas produces insulin. 

Insulin is part of how the body controls blood sugar. When you talk about it like that, it doesn’t seem like that big a deal.

But it is — because the sugar in your blood is a byproduct of every bite you take. If you can’t control your blood sugar, you can’t eat. If you can’t eat, eventually you die. If you eat and don’t have insulin, eventually, yes, you still die.

The case carries everything plus much more including pump accessories and consumables, the diabetes case that fits your daily needs.

I didn’t understand this completely before I married a diabetic. Actually, I married a family of diabetics. My husband was diabetic the way he was Catholic and Italian: genetically and going back generations on both sides. To my knowledge, I am the first person to marry a Falce and not subsequently become diabetic.

It did not take long to grasp the seriousness. The cost of insulin was crippling and would lead my husband to scrimp on what he took — sometimes by just a few units and sometimes by skipping a dose entirely. This would end up having consequences.

When my son was born, we hurried out to the hospital an hour away with my bag but forgot my husband’s meds. After more than 24 hours without insulin, he was incoherent and shaky. He was admitted to intensive care with diabetic ketoacidosis. I was released with a newborn after two days; my husband was in for a week.

There were multiple hospitalizations for pancreatitis, for related heart conditions, for kidney problems. And our story wasn’t unique. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the number of diabetics in the U.S. at 37.3 million — about one in 10 adults, half of whom are undiagnosed. Another 96 million have prediabetes. That means that 40% of Americans either have diabetes or are in danger of developing it.

In 2019, diabetes was listed as the primary cause of death on 87,647 death certificates but noted as a contributing cause on almost 200,000 more. And that was before covid-19.

Diabetes is responsible for well over $300 billion in medical costs. It contributes to people being out of work and on disability. That can affect a whole family’s ability to earn money and support their household. It literally leads to choices about paying rent, paying the electric bill or paying for insulin.

And so I was happy when the $35-per-month insulin provision was included in the Inflation Reduction Act for Medicare patients. I was just as crushed when a provision to have that same rule apply to private insurance companies was abandoned because of parliamentary rules.

Affordable insulin is a medical issue, but it is more. It is a humanitarian issue. It is a social issue. And it cannot be underestimated as a cost-saving issue for the nation at large. It would save hundreds or thousands of dollars every month for families. It would help pay mortgages and utilities and grocery stores. It would reduce the amount of money spent on critical care and allow more to be spent on prevention.

I don’t know how much longer my husband could have lived if he hadn’t rationed his insulin for years, depriving his body of an absolutely vital hormone. I do know he isn’t the only person who died sooner than he should have because of it. (I am so sorry to learn about this untimely death. 😞😟)

Making insulin affordable — not free, just accessible —could change that.

Maine Writer post script:  Although I obviously agree with Lori Falce's position, especially when she is writing about her husband's family history with this disease, I continue to advocate for all diabetics to receive free insulin, based on the urgency of their health risks. 

Dump the tRumpf! Listen to the litany of witnesses!

https://triblive.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-trump-brings-it-on-himself/

Echo letter to the editor published in TribLive: 

Trump brings it on himself!

Wrong minded right wing complaining Republicans are calling a legal search of The Former Guy's mega-home resort in Florida a “witch hunt” and the constant mainstream media is “negative” coverage. But, the Mar-a-Lago resort is now a crime scene.

First off, the never-ending Nazi-like Trump* rallies and him hinting at a 2024, run keep him front and center, so he brings the attention on himself. (Meanwhile, the litany of court criminal and civil filings against #tRumpzi and his associates continues to grow.)

Second, for those criticizing the January 6 committee hearings — have you even watched them (and listened to the witnesses)? And, I don’t mean watching via your ultra right or ultra left news stations. I mean actual, form-your-own-opinion viewing via C-SPAN or YouTube. Witness after witness, from his own attorneys, aides, Republican judges and lawyers to Ivanka Trump, all confirmed that the “stolen election” is a lie and there is no evidence to support any of the accusations. Many people who once worked for Trump or were familiar with him in the White House tried to warn the American people. Yet … all of those people are the liars? Not Trump? (HELLO?)

Just imagine living in America where people that are guilty of crimes are sent to prison? 

Indeed, precedent set by legally searching Mar-a-Lago “means that anyone who evades taxes, attempts to undermine an election, sexually assaults women, manipulates the value of their assets, uses state resources to enrich themselves or aids and abets the overthrow of a democratically elected government will be subject to investigation.”

Is this where we want America to go? Where we prosecute those who blatantly break the law?

From Karla Thomas, Hempfield in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

* "Donald Trump, who called a mob that included neo-Nazis 'very fine people,' now hits CNN over comparing him to Hitler and Goebbels". Trump's 282-page warning letter slams CNN for comparing his false-propaganda tactics to Nazi tactics.

Why didn’t Trump question vote counts in the 2016 election? #TrumpziCult

 Echo opinion letter: Published in the Pennsylvania on line news TribLive and submitted by Donald Moskowitz, a writer from Londonderry, New Hampshire. 

Trump is focused on himself, not country

As an independent who votes the candidates, I was hoping to heap some praise on President Trump for his accomplishments — for example, increasing the defense budget and promoting our military buildup. But he has reverted to his typical lies (over 23,000 false or misleading claims at last count, as documented by The Washington Post) and disinformation when referring to the outcome of the 2020 election.

Trump and many of his fanatical lockstep followers have accused election officials only in states he lost of fraudulent activities. Bipartisan election officials, including Republicans, Democrats and independents, have an exemplary history of Americans processing ballots with honesty and due diligence.

Why is there fraud in the 2020 election just in six states Trump lost? Why isn’t Trump questioning vote counts in the other 44 states? Why didn’t Trump question vote counts in the 2016 election? In 2016, Hillary Clinton could have asked for recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which she lost by a total of 84,000 votes, but she didn’t.

Once again, Trump is focused on himself and not the country. He is lashing out at our democratic system and principles, and he could undermine the bedrock foundation of our country. His firing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper and a number of other key Pentagon officials is causing chaos within the Pentagon and jeopardizing our national security while we are vulnerable during the transition of administrations.

Donald Moskowitz

Londonderry, N.H.

Don Moskowitz is a well known prolific writer on subjects of the nation and the world that spark his interest. Retired from the US Navy in 1967 as a Lieutenant, he often writes on military and political matters. He is very active in the Londonderry American Legion.

#Cult #TrumpziCult

 

Wake up America! Echo opinion from Pennsylvania

Echo opinion letter published in TribLive a Pittsburgh PA newspaper company. 

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was the war to end all wars. Approximately 15 years after the end of this war, a sick-minded, evil man through lies, trickery and deceit captured the minds of most but not all of the German people and led the world into another world war.

Fast-forward 80-plus years, and we find another man who I believe is sick-minded and evil has captured the minds of many but not all of the people in the United States. He somehow has gained the loyalty of most and the votes of all the Republicans and a few Democrats in our Congress. We are seeing a rise in hate.

This man has control of the nuclear codes. He isn’t leading our country; he is attempting to rule it.

Thankfully there are some good and sensible people who have not been mesmerized by him. The Republicans are always tooting their horns about him getting 63 million votes, but Hillary got 66 million.

I am a Democrat, but I can honestly say that if Donald Trump was a Democrat, I would feel the same about him as I do now.

Wake up America*; our freedom and our way of life are more important than party loyalty, the stock market and the economy.

Ronald Menzie in Derry Township Pennsylvania

*In Maine Writer's opinion, the Trumpzi cult are victims of mass hypnosis!  They need rivivng with a dose of political Narcan.

Donald Trump fired everyone who was able to keep him somewhat in check

Echo letter opinion published in the Pennsylvania news- TribLive ~ too many "yes men" (but Trumpzi whines about impeachment! He fired everyone who could've prevented this.)

Dump Trump while we can

Donald Trump’s actions with Ukraine for personal political gain should trouble us all. Worse is the fact that he sees nothing wrong with getting dirt on a political opponent from a foreign country, (Maine Writer - click here to read Donald Trump's presidential oath!) ~ even after having said as much openly in an interview in June. But worst of all, is that there is clearly no one around Trump to restrain him. (Oath! - "So help me God")

At the start of his term, three generals were able to keep him somewhat in check, James Mattis, John Kelly and H.R. McMaster, until they left and he surrounded himself with  !yes-men! Should he be reelected and no longer has to worry about polls — and having his Twitter rants approved by the electorate — he will be completely out of control.

Dump Trump. While we still can.

From James Hillebrecht, Latrobe (Pittsburgh area) Pennsylvania

Another decoy- gaslighting "corruption" in the Trumpzi administration

Trump to clean up corruption in the Ukraine? Hilarious ~ oxymoron!

This echo opinion was published in TribLive.com (The Pittsburgh Post Gazette on line edition.

In one of the most absurd scenarios being played out in American history, Donald Trump commands corruption investigations of his political opponents … again. Trump supporters laud Trump as the one trying to clean up corruption in a Washington swamp? Hilarious, if it were not so threatening to democracy. This, yet another example of Trump projecting onto others (gaslighting*). Trump corruption exists before and after the election, some documented in books such as David Cay Johnston’s “The Making of Donald Trump.”

Trump was a corrupt businessman. (Moreover, he's a corrupt politician and failed leader!)

What fools still believe Trump is saving the American economy when Trump and family have so much of their business overseas? Farmers are committing suicide facing the loss of family farms. Businesses are failing. Trump tariffs are to blame. Bankrupt Trump bankrupting America in business and morals.

Trump received Russian aid and comfort in his 2016 campaign. He is now soliciting aid from China and Ukraine for dirt on opponents. America should be asking China and other foreign governments to turn over their files on Trump.

No one hides tax and business records like Trump, unless he or she has evidence within of corruption. I would not hide my tax returns, nor should Trump be allowed to. Trump corruption and lies are in public view. End Trump corruption today. Save America.

From Bruce Braden  Carmel, Ind.

The writer is a Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania native.

*gaslighting - manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity