In Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 19th-century novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” slave owner Simon Legree — in an uncontrolled rage at Tom’s refusal to obey an order to punish a fellow slave — has Tom flogged to death.

I’m inclined to believe that Uncle Tom’s Cabin may be one of the few books that Donald Trump has actually read and retained, in light of his own inexcusably inhumane treatment of the citizens of the country he has sworn to protect and defend. He has merely refined the methods and extended the reach of his cruelty.

With the White House as his metaphorical plantation, “Simon Trump” rules this country as Simon Legree ruled his piece of the world. And Trump’s latest victims — hundreds of thousands of them — are the government workers who have been involuntarily furloughed or forced to work without pay, and now — in the mother of all double-whammies — are threatened with unwarranted, unjustified layoffs as punishment for Congress’ failure to pass a budget bill for the coming year.

And all while the members of Congress, and Fat Simon himself, sit safely ensconced on their thrones, supported by the taxes already collected from those selfsame workers.

“Pissed off” doesn’t even begin to describe what We the People are feeling right now. I’m reminded of the famous scene from the 1976 classic film “Network,” where the character Howard Beale — fed up with the state of the country — implores the American people:

“I want you to go to the window, open it, stick your head out and yell: ‘I’m as mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore.’”

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/8/25