I accept Alan Jackson’s request to ask myself why I want to resist and obstruct what he calls “the positive policies already bearing fruit.”

My answer is that the fruit is rotten!

I see no convincing evidence that fruit is better national security, improved foreign relations, affordable and viable health care, or responsible parenting. Alan, where is the evidence? And where is the evidence that deportation of illegal immigrants and lower taxes for corporations and billionaires are positive policies for the majority of Americans? Furthermore, I see no evidence that America was not first economically, militarily, and idealistically before these policy changes masquerading as nationalism recently took center stage.

America has been first my entire life! So what is really at the heart of President Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, proposals, and policies? Is it fear and greed?” Under his leadership, “America First” ideals have mutated into Trump’s America “Fist” ideals, with ever-diminishing civility and civic-mindedness by our President and a majority in Congress.

Trump advocates punching dissidents in the face. He shakes his nuclear fist in the face of North Korea’s leader. He and Congress support health care policies that punch the poor and the elderly in their preexisting conditions. His present reverse Robin Hood tax reform proposals will be a feint to distract the majority with false promises, followed by a sucker punch that will injure many economically and be a knockout punch for many more.

Alan, how much rotten fruit do you want me to stomach? After rethinking the obvious unhealthiness of eating rotten fruit, the evidence makes it impossible for me to ignore its stink and gut-wrenching impact. I can’t convince myself that Trump’s America First policies are helping this great country remain first and the greatest nation on earth.

Tom Driscoll
Poulsbo