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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Being a billionaire means never having to say you’re sorry

Posted

Over the past several weeks, more than one political pundit has remarked that many of Donald Trump’s statements would’ve instantly sunk another candidate – electoral campaigns have foundered on far less incendiary comments or gaffes. One school of thought maintains that this is due to the undeniable fact that many citizens are increasingly frustrated with the ruling class of both major parties, and Trump is tapping into that smoldering discontent. Perhaps.

But I believe that Trump survives his juvenile, arrogant, and inane pronouncements because he’s rich. Other candidates, after offering an offensive phrase or bogus idea, vanish from the stage because their money dries up. Not a problem for Trump. He continues to off-gas because he can afford it. The key message here is that if you’re a billionaire, you can get away with anything. And that is one of the chief frustrations of the American electorate – cash wins out, money buys influence regardless of the source or intent. Green sweeps away red or blue. Trump is a secure member of the American oligarchy (as is Hillary Clinton), and those who believe he will fight for the middle class or the poor are ascribing substance to wind. Trump’s base constituency is Trump himself.

Peter M. Leschak

Side Lake, Minn.