Editor:
President-elect Donald Trump appears to be continuing in his role as “The Merchant of Self-Branded Stuff” (Mailbox, Dec. 12). At one time, such behavior might have been considered tacky for a soon-to-be president, but apparently not for Trump today.
In this role, Trump just released a new line of men’s and women’s colognes at $199 each under the label “Fight, Fight, Fight.” The colognes join two other recent items: Trump Victory Tourbillon classic designer gold watches at $100,000 and American Eagle acoustic and electric guitars inlaid with “Make America Great Again” on the fingerboard for $1,250 and $1,500 un-autographed. Add around 10 grand more for Trump’s signature.
These items are just a part of a long list, which already included Trump trading cards and Trump sneakers, some of which are illustrated with his post assassination attempt bloodied face.
Since it appears Trump may never give up on his “goose that lays the golden eggs,” I wonder if as president he will establish a Trump Gift Shop in the White House foyer. He could likely make a killing selling those marker pens he uses to sign official documents; a steal at $99 apiece.
Sherman Schapiro, Eureka
Editor:
It’s not like we didn’t know. We knew it when Nixon won, then again with Reagan and then with Bush. Plato knew it before there was even any TV or internet: Most people are just too dumb to know what’s in their best interest, let alone make important decisions, when smart, evil people go to great lengths to fool them. That’s why people think betting on sporting events in the comfort of your living room is a good idea, eating fast food is super neat and going on cruises with reality show celebrities is the most classy thing anyone can do. Because that’s what it said on TV or their phone.
Bill Hassler, McKinleyville
This article appears in ‘A Big Heart’.