Country above self

President John F. Kennedy once stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Who would make such a statement in America today? No one … not unless they wanted to commit political suicide. What a novel idea — to place “country above self.” No more economic chokeholds to get parties to bend to the Godfather’s wishes and demands. Everybody knows that money makes the world go around. And if your world doesn’t spin on President Donald Trump’s axis, he will get you to comply by controlling the funding. Economic strangulation.

I’ve heard some of his sycophants describe him as a genius. He ain’t no genius! He learned power and control from the class called “Mob Boss 101.” Gangsters were very proficient in their use of pressure points. The only difference is he is dressed in a suit and tie and looks the part of a successful businessman, although he is a convicted felon and filed for bankruptcy six times.

How is that for “loving thy neighbor” and proficient in business?

I will grant Trump one thing: He is a salesman. After all, he successfully sold the American people on numerous campaign promises that never came to fruition. Did the war in Ukraine end in one day after his election? Has the economy improved since his election? And the election lies go on and on.

I don’t know what kind of degree Trump has, but he should be granted an honorary master’s degree or a Ph.D. as a “master manipulator.” In that regard, perhaps we can all agree he would be afforded the “genius” status.

It is time to focus on “country above self.” Ask what YOU can do for your country to protect: our democracy, our constitution, our laws and judges’ decisions, etc.

We have a lot at stake. We must take a stand. We must stand tall. We must disarm the bully and destroy the power of the master manipulator. America’s silence is deafening.

Change ain’t gonna happen unless WE make it happen. Stand tall and take back what is rightfully ours.

Frederick Allen Pysher, Custer City