The Backfire Effect occurs when people are faced with facts that contradict their closely held views, and rather than altering their views, they double-down on their original position. This is clearly an emotionally driven part of our psychology. I sense, Marc, that you have succumbed to this. And you're not alone.

The National Debt: You seem to forget that President Obama wanted to tackle this thorny issue by forging a "Grand Bargain" (tax increases for spending cuts) with the GOP, but they wanted nothing to do with anything, anything at all, that would give Obama a legislative victory.

Taxes: President Trump has stated that the new tax bill will not benefit him when we know this most definitely is not true. He and his family will reap tens of millions of dollars while the masses will receive relative crumbs. Yes, a few thousand dollars here and there are relative crumbs in the scheme of things. This tax bill wasn't meant for the folks you care about, Marc, it was a thank you to the donors who got him and the GOP in office.

America's Strength: I think you're referring to our economic/military strength here, Marc. And I agree that at present, we lead in these areas. But let me ask you, what was your reaction when our commander in chief thoughtlessly tweeted that transgender military personnel were no longer welcome? Can you imagine one of these brave citizens, probably far from home, possibly in a dangerous part of the world, waking up to such a punch in the gut? And it came from a man with multiple deferments, who boasted that avoiding VD was his own Vietnam. A man who insulted prisoners of war and gold star families. Did this not give you pause, Marc?

Israel: You write them Obama "short shanked them". Gee, as he left office, he signed a 38 billion dollar military package with them. But you didn't know that. And yes, he push and pushed Bibi to stop those damn settlements, and to truly engage in talks for a two state solution. Anything short of that will surely result in Israel being further marginalized on the world stage. The Arab and Persian nations would love to see Israel become a pariah nation. Haters of Israel want to see it cease to be a democracy. True friends of Israel want it secure, democratic, and jewish. If it annexes the occupied territories, it cannot be those things. I get it, it faces an existential threat that we simply cannot relate to.

Healthcare: Surely, Marc, you recall the president boasting of how absolutely beautiful his healthcare plan would be for everyone. Only the most foolish, credulous Trump supporters could believe this is what we'll have. How many struggling people in your neck of the woods will die due to inadequate or non-existant healthcare? Wouldn't a more just society demand healthcare as a right and if that means a more progressive tax system (that means the rich pay more, Marc), then so be it!

Trade: By opting out of TPP, the president has given China such a gift as it will forge trade deals with the rest of the world, leaving our companies at a real disadvantage. Our manufacturing base won't see the corrosive effects of this for a while, but the folks in your area will pay a price.

Do you not agree, Marc, that this president has lied at unprecedented levels? Does that not offend you? Do you not see what this portends for future elections?

Do his repeated racists statements not offend you? My Ugandan-born sister-in-law came here and obtained computer science and nursing degrees. Decades ago, I tutored a Haitian immigrant who was operating his own HVAC company. Even if I didn't know these most admirable people, I would be offended mightily by his off-the-cuff rants. Do you not see Trump for the danger, truly DESPICABLE man-child that he is? And the people in your region are offended by the "rustbelt" reference? Sheesh, they don't know what it really means to be marginalized, to be viewed as less than human.

You might recall that a few months ago I wrote a lengthy piece to you about resources that you might avail yourselves of. Furthermore, I posed some questions to you. You didn't even respond. I thought that spoke volumes about your character, Marc, I really did.

In judging Trump, it really does come down to values, Marc, and of the kind of man who you are. It's that simple.

Peter T.