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To the editor:
Article II of the U.S. Constitution begins, “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.” Donald Trump apparently interprets Article II to read “The extortionist Power.”
Trump has exercised “extortionist Power” numerous times — on media outlets, law firms, universities, federal judges, allies, cryptocurrency investors and even members of Congress. Trump’s latest “extortion” involves computer chip manufacturers Nvidia and AMD, makers of H20 chips used for artificial intelligence applications.
Both companies applied for export licenses to sell H20 chips to China. Had the requests been denied based upon national security, I could have understood and agreed with the decision. However, Trump’s Department of Commerce decided to approve the licenses, provided Nvidia and AMD give the U.S. government 15 percent of sales revenue, essentially a pay-for-play scheme.
That isn’t the way enterprise works in a democracy. It is, however, exactly the way organized crime operates — in order to do business in a crime boss’ territory, he demands a piece of the action.
Trump has been shattering norms ever since he rose to national prominence in 2016. So it should come as no surprise that he would blatantly violate the U.S. Constitution’s Article I, Section 9, Clause 5 which states “No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State” without a second thought.
Apparently, profit skimming isn’t considered a tax or duty by the leader of the “free” world.
Joseph Cannisi
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Word Man
Can you imagine this?
The world acknowledging and recognizing Donald Trump’s peace efforts with appropriate honors, such as a Nobel Prize or an Emmy Award, and extending the accolades to him in the form of a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, elevating him to the exclusive ranks of people who have achieved recognition in all three major categories of the arts, earning them the distinction of EGOT royalty? Although this concept is exceptionally vast and awe-inspiring, surely, Donald Trump has never envisioned it.
Envision this:
In a world in total discord,
Trump plays the magical chord,
on the piano of his accord,
ending violence at home and abroad.
In unending praise that roared,
Trump’s glorious music soared.
To Heaven and Earth he implored,
Peace and justice, restored.
Wednesday, August 20 Report this
reenjoe
Who knows?
It's possible the Nobel Foundation will add a new, seventh prize category that Trump is a shoo-in to win - The Nobel Prize for Criminal Excellence.
Thursday, August 21 Report this
reenjoe
I doubt Trump has the goods to join EGOT royalty.
However, as we saw in Alaska last week, Trump certainly earned his place in TACO royalty.
Thursday, August 21 Report this
Word Man
It is plausible that President Trump’s presidency served as an incentive for individuals to strive for personal improvement, which is an intriguing concept. One person cannot change the world, but one person can change his/her treatment of his fellow man….
Saturday, August 23 Report this
Word Man
Life has taught me a valuable lesson: avoid making hasty judgments. I will patiently wait for the outcomes of the Alaska negotiation before forming an opinion on Trump’s ability to broker peace in Ukraine. Trump has given Putin an opportunity to save face for his failed land grab. Putin’s war accomplished nothing; he’s a tyrant and a murderer.
Trump’s giving peace his best shot. I wish him success in his effort to broker peace. Instead of harboring the hope that Donald Trump will fail to broker a peaceful resolution between Ukraine and Russia, it would be more appropriate to pray for his success. This course of action aligns with the principles of righteousness and humanity.
Saturday, August 23 Report this
krell1349
Yes a TACO fully loaded.
Saturday, August 23 Report this