President somehow
finds new low
Just when we thought that our “leader” – yeah, that one, Donny Trump – might have a shred of decency left, he launches a Twitter tirade against Greta Thurnburg. Thurnburg, of course, is the 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist shouting at the top of her lungs to get the world’s countries to take the existential threat of climate change seriously and who was just named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.
Apparently, that was too much for Trump, the king of self-aggrandizement, who felt he should have had the honor and so took to Twitter to bully, badger and belittle Thurnburg, his normal MO for anyone he doesn’t like.
I find it hard, make that impossible, to imagine anyone this childish could be the president of the United States — and that anyone would vote for somebody this childish. But I guess 63 million Americans can’t be wrong!
John Kitchen
Kailua-Kona
Stop dangerous drug commercials
Everyone seems to be aghast about a TV commercial for an exercise bike that features a model who is maybe “just too perfect” an image. How trivial?
Of greater importance to me is the fact that the world of TV advertising seems to be inundated by drug commercials, many of which appear to be psychologically damaging. The video typically shows attractive people frolicking through meadows, enjoying sports victories and hugging one another at family BBQs.
All the while, over a catchy tune, the announcer reads the attorneys-crafted, cover-their-tail-end script warning everyone about the fact that “fatal events have been reported” and “suicidal thoughts” are among the side effects. The images are designed to make everyone momentarily forget that this stuff will kill you.
Of course, I need to remind my doctor of the organ transplant that was performed on me last year. Hasn’t the doctor read my chart? I’m also told that I shouldn’t use the drug if I’m allergic to any of its secret ingredients. I’m even advised to tell my doctor if I have been near a place with potential exposure to a fungus. Does that include proximity to mushrooms at the pizza parlor?
The drug may be expensive, but the drug manufacturer may be “able to help you” get started. And, of course, people with addictive tendencies are cautioned as to its potential dependencies (wink, wink, you’ll get a buzz).
Why would I want this medicine with a fancy name like “Solves-It-All”? Will it make my skin smoother, my hair thicker, or my problems disappear?
The drug companies are encouraging patients to tell their doctors what prescriptions to write. For many reasons, the reverse should be the case. As for me, I’ll pass on the dangerous drugs and choose the exercise bike instead.
James Donovan
Waikoloa Village
