Imagine a nation ruled by Trump

By Lynn Clayton, Las Vegas

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Good morning, America! Imagine Donald Trump is starting his second year as president. As promised, he, along with the Republican majority in Congress, finally eliminated Obamacare! They offered no alternative health insurance plan for the millions of Americans who depended on Obamacare, so these newly uninsured Americans are revisiting a problem they thought was solved. They are reviewing plans available to them from the big insurance companies and discover there is a 12- to 18-month waiting period for a pre-existing condition to be covered, there is a co-pay for preventive care, and any children over age 19 who are not in college or who don’t have insurance through an employer’s plan are no longer eligible dependents.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security faces many challenges. This agency is tasked with locating and deporting 11 million immigrants. Even President Trump admits this is a labor-intensive, expensive undertaking. Somehow the additional taxes paid by hedge-fund managers aren’t covering the costs of this massive deportation effort. Maybe Trump and his Republican Congress can get more savings from entitlement programs? Or end federal support of domestic programs entirely? Also of concern is what will happen to the children of these deported immigrants.

Meanwhile, Trump delivered on his promise to strengthen the military. The Pentagon is awash with money. But how to continue funding this military is becoming a challenge, as the national debt and federal deficit return to levels last seen under President George W. Bush. With the emphasis on military strength instead of diplomacy, America is perceived as the world’s new pariah.

So, may you rest peacefully tonight knowing President Trump has your back and his hand in your wallet.