Sam Stea

Cogan Station

I propose, for the sake of argument, that the best way for a sitting president to undo the United States of America is to behave exactly opposite to each of our Founding Fathers.

In the case of George Washington’s honesty and integrity; attempt an overthrow of the electoral process and the lawful transfer of power, then blame it on the Democrats.

For Thomas Jefferson’s pursuit of science and reason; defund critical medical research, ignore information about the environment and health of the planet and appoint charlatans to top health positions.

For Alexander Hamilton’s policy of fiscal discipline; expand the debt burden by tax cuts heavily favoring the wealthiest of society over the middle class, illegally restrict commerce through punitive tariffs and use the presidential pulpit to enrich oneself and one’s family through the endorsement of Ponzi schemes.

For John Adams’ ideals of republican government; usurp or bypass Congress at every turn, character assassinate political rivals and public critics and use the National Guard for payback as one sees fit.

For Ben Franklin’s art of diplomacy; appeal directly to the base attributes of the human condition: hate, anger, fear. Alienate allies and placate autocrats.

And for James Madison’s Constitution and rule of law; break it, spit on it and make it irrelevant.

I was wrong. Trump did his homework, and we didn’t.