Jul 12, 2025 2 min read

In response to Dave Ball’s July 9 op-ed defending President Trump’s disastrous tax bill and recycling tired Republican scare tactics, I would like to highlight some of the points the author glosses over to convince others just how positive he thinks this bill is.

First, let’s talk about Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” tax cut. It was a handout to the wealthy and corporations – plain and simple. While corporate tax cuts in the bill were made permanent, the individual tax cuts which benefit everyday Americans are set to expire at the end of 2025. Delaying these consequences until after the midterms appears to be a strategic move to avoid voter backlash. Voters should be aware this tax plan was designed with a political calendar in mind, not the long-term interests of American families.

Mr. Ball also implied that undocumented immigrants are a burden on the system. That’s not only false, it’s offensive. Undocumented immigrants do pay taxes – billions into Social Security, Medicare, and local economies – yet they’re barred from receiving Medicaid and most other federal benefits. The idea that they’re draining the system is a myth rooted in xenophobia, not fact.

As for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and climate initiatives, these programs didn’t become a “problem” until Republicans decided to demonize them for political gain. DEI is about fairness and representation, not division. Climate action is about saving our planet, not bankrupting our nation. To claim these are what’s draining our economy while ignoring corporate welfare and endless tax breaks is dishonest at best.

The talk of “revitalizing the military” under Trump is equally misleading. What’s really happening is a quiet push toward privatization – shifting public defense into the hands of profit-driven contractors. This isn’t strength; it’s profiteering under the guise of patriotism.

Mr. Ball also quoted Reagan: “Government’s first duty is not to run people’s lives.” Interesting. I wonder if he remembers the same government trying to control women’s bodies, ban books, and attack LGBTQ+ rights. Apparently, personal freedom only matters when it fits the Republican agenda.

Under Trump, America lost its global stature. We became the punchline to late-night jokes and international summits. The chaos, the cruelty, the corruption – it’s all on record. Electing Trump once was a mistake. Doing it again has been a national embarrassment.

Michele Guernsey

Houston