Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

President Donald Trump’s base argues that he is doing what he promised he would do. However his actions are just an outward veneer that gives the appearance of respecting people and improving their lives, but all the time manipulating laws and regulatory rules to favor the wealthiest Americans.

His actions on taxes have not improved workers’ wages. In fact, inflation-adjusted wages have dropped by 0.2 percent. On health care, Trump has spent his time in office trying to eliminate health care laws enacted to provide more access to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. On tariffs, his actions are expected to result in thousands of lost jobs, according to economists. The president’s choices have weakened the rights of all, except the wealthiest.

The president is a master of deception by concealing or misrepresenting the truth to control what people think. The president and the Republican Party have a stealth plan to transform our country to one governed by the wealthiest few and restrict the role of democracy for the many.

— Paul Love, Wauconda

Wow, NFL first game ratings are way down over an already really bad last year comparison. Viewership declined 13%, the lowest in over a decade. If the players stood proudly for our Flag and Anthem, and it is all shown on broadcast, maybe ratings could come back? Otherwise worse!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2018

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Here are highlights from Stage 14 of the Tour of Spain.

Here.

Here.

To the editor:

President Trump gives himself credit for the strong U.S. economy. He’s like the guy who runs to the front of the parade and starts “leading” it. The fact is that Trump was lucky enough to take office at a time when the U.S. economy was already roaring under President Obama.

But the economy goes through cycles, and many market analysts believe the U.S. is in the final stage of a bull market, after which a downturn is inevitable by 2020. And given that Trump pushed through a deficit-exploding tax cut when it wasn’t needed, he has effectively robbed himself of a major tool that he could use when a real economic downturn hits.

The bottom line is that if the GOP is putting all its eggs in the basket of a strong economy, it is heading for disaster. It’s not difficult to forecast the scenario: With Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, women could lose the right to choose and millions of Americans could lose their healthcare. Add to this a recession, and you’ve got an electorate that will be motivated as never before to sweep the Republicans out of power, possibly for a long time.

Going “all in” with Trump is very much a double-edged sword for Republicans.

Matthew Singerman, Newbury Park

Apple prices may increase because of the massive Tariffs we may be imposing on China – but there is an easy solution where there would be ZERO tax, and indeed a tax incentive. Make your products in the United States instead of China. Start building new plants now. Exciting! #MAGA

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2018

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Love Dance (1989).

Here.

Here.