Trump conned us into a forever war with harsh consequences

Dear Editor,

Donald Trump: We’re Doing Great!

President Trump recently announced, “The greatest economy we’ve ever had by far.” As you are aware, he campaigned in 2024 on a policy of lowering prices and no more forever wars in the Middle East. Now he says that we are “having temporary pain for long term gain.” I find this impossible to believe.

First of all, President Trump started the war with Iran with no plan for victory. It was supposed to be a quick in and out — like Venezuela. This week marks six months in and there is no end in sight. Trump is caught in a trap of his own making. Iran now controls much of the oil and fertilizer out of Strait of Hormuz and is planning to charge a toll on any ship passing through it.

The Strait of Hormuz was completely open before the war.

Diesel fuel moves most goods and farms need it to harvest crops. This is leading to higher food costs and higher inflation. Basically we got exactly the opposite of what Trump said he would do during his campaign. Republicans are trying to sell the idea that things are going well when everyone can see they are not. We have higher grocery and fuel prices and we are in another forever war in the Middle East. This will be worse in November. Promises made, promises mislaid. We were conned.

It is clear that Congress as currently staffed is not going to do anything about affordability, or the war. In fact, the Republican “Big Beautiful Bill” is going to bring more cuts to average Americans, but tax cuts for the rich will continue. Congress must change or we will all be suffering more of the same. This means that if you pull the Republican lever this November, you have no business complaining about gas prices or the cost of groceries. You can’t complain about the forever war. Look in the mirror. If you vote for Republicans this election, the problem is YOU.

Dr. Paul A. Haupt