Trump a danger to us and himself

Since he became President, Donald J. Trump has been the deserving target of many accusations and investigations. His extramarital affairs and his failure to put his assets into a blind trust are two areas where he has been vulnerable.

He and his family have benefited financially from contacts and those wanting to gain favor from the president. He also has been criticized for appointing cabinet officials determined to destroy the departments they lead, resulting in the possible reversal of decades of progress on protecting the environment, and furthering human rights and equality in our nation. Very serious and threatening to our democracy is his relationship with Vladimir Putin, leading to Russian influence in the previous election, and alleged traitorous acts by Trump and his associates.

Those who work closely with him say he refuses to read and is woefully ignorant of our Constitution and the restraints it puts upon those elected by the American people. He seems to admire dictators and seems to covet dictatorial power for himself. He is in real danger of being convicted of crimes committed before he became president and impeached for crimes during his presidency.

Trump also has a need to lie about nearly every issue that might affect him and the way he is seen by others. His ego seems to guide his relationships with other people and the decisions he makes. At this time, he is consumed with the need to fulfill his campaign promise that a wall will be built on the United States' border with Mexico. He seems to feel a need to make this promise come true in order to prove himself to his base.

Since he has lied so many times before, why doesn't he just say "The wall has been built and Mexico paid for it!" This lie will believed by his ardent supporters and no contradictions from the rest of us, including pictures and other facts, will change it.

It is probably true that none of these actions would have had consequences if he were still Donald J. Trump, private citizen. He would still have been a grifter and a liar, but that Trump would have found a way to silence his critics and move on.

I wonder if, in his private moments, Trump wishes he had never run for president, let alone won the election.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows