Last night, Donald Trump gave his first speech to a joint session of Congress. Many pundits have praised the speech for showcasing a more “moderate” approach than we’re accustomed to from the president.
But this week in OtherWords, I argue that it was anything but. Instead, the speech seemed carefully crafted to generate hostility toward immigrants and Muslims, while covering for the far-right terrorists who’ve carried out attacks in recent weeks.
Trump also reiterated his commitment to repealing the Affordable Care Act. In OtherWords, Olivia Alperstein shares a personal story about what she — and the millions of other Americans with pre-existing conditions — stand to lose if the law is revoked.
Also this week, my colleague John Feffer tells the story of how his recent novel Splinterlands (which is excellent, by the way) accidentally predicted the rise of Trump and politicians like him. Sam Pizzigati explains how taxpayers are subsidizing wealthy universities that serve the 1 percent. And Jim Hightower says Paul Ryan has no business lecturing anyone about morality (or Social Security).
Finally, cartoonist Khalil Bendib imagines chill winds blowing across the land.
Khalil Bendib/ OtherWords.org
- There Was Nothing Moderate About Trump’s Speech / Peter Certo
The president’s obsession with Muslims and immigrants gives cover to a simmering white nationalist movement at home. - It’s Only My Health / Olivia Alperstein
I’m one of the millions who could lose access to health care if Republicans repeal the Affordable Care Act. - My Novel (Accidentally) Predicted Trump / John Feffer
By the time my dystopian future novel went to print, much of that future had become the present. - The Best Education Our Money Can Buy / Sam Pizzigati
Taxpayers are subsidizing the private universities that service America’s rich. - Nobody Needs a Lecture on Morality from Paul Ryan / Jim Hightower
The Republican House speaker is out to steal away Americans’ hard-earned retirement benefits. - A Climate of Fear / Khalil Bendib
