They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And they — whoever they are — also say that flattery will get you anywhere. If both of those adages are correct, then Argentina’s President Javier Milei just hit the jackpot.

Looking like a cross between Johnny Cash and a somewhat faded Elvis Presley, Milei announced at a rally on Wednesday that he has issued a decree curbing immigration to Argentina, a country with a long history of openness to immigrants . . . a move that has drawn widespread criticism and a comparison to America’s very own Donald Trump.

But Milei seems to consider those criticisms in a favorable light, judging from the comment of presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni, who said it is “time to honor our history and make Argentina great again.” [CNN World, May 15, 2025.]

Now, where have we heard that before?

Trump must be feeling really special about now. Not only has he been given the uber-royal treatment in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai . . . he also has a friend in South America who seems to be mimicking his every move: instituting an austerity program resembling DOGE’s slash-and-burn method of cutting government spending; raging against the “woke” left; pulling out of the World Health Organization after the U.S. announced its exit; threatening to quit the Paris climate accord after Trump did; outlawing gender change treatments for minors; and promoting a cryptocurrency token much like the $Trump coin. [CBS News, April 5, 2025.]

I can hear Trump now, humming softly to himself the old nursery rhyme: “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, but what can be the use of him is more than I can see.”

Clearly, Milei is seeking assistance from the U.S.; what Trump might gain from the relationship is less obvious. But I’m sure he has something in mind.

Perhaps he’s searching for a 52nd state . . . a very large one.

In any event, he might do well to remember another old saying — one of my grandmother’s favorites: You are judged by the company you keep.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/16/25