Louis XIV in White House

To the editor:

Now that the ghost of Louis XIV in the person of Donald Trump inhabits the White House, what will be his next conceit? He has already gilded the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden, adding tables and golden umbrellas, and is adding an extravagant ballroom to the home of the U.S. presidents. Will this ballroom have mirrors framed in gold and glittering chandeliers? Probably. Why let Louis XIV out-gild the president of the U.S.?

Like so many autocrats, Trump surrounds himself with pomp and glitter. What next? Will he change the name of the White House to Trump House? Will he change Air Force One to Trump One and in gold letters?

I’m sure the founders of our country’s government, based on the premise “for the people and by the people,” would view this in horror. In the Trump world, he’s the one who counts – the people not so much.

Rosalind Renouard

Bainbridge Island

No 3rd term

To the editor:

In the mad dash to slash classics and civics from academia, it is high time to make Cincinnatus great again! While Trump deplores the mob violence in Cincinnati, he could do that city’s namesake one better by not seeking a 3rd term!

Pete Lindall

Bainbridge Island