You may have noticed a change toward the end of January. Previously, it was said that we had a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Now we have a government of Donald Trump, by Donald Trump, and for Donald Trump. A majority of “informed” voters decided that he could bring about some important changes, such as smaller government, lower taxes and removal of illegal immigrants.

Instead of a studied, well-planned, and focused attack, we have seen a slapdash attempt to close down whole agencies, fire anyone who was involved in the investigation and prosecution of Donald Trump and his band of insurrectionists. He has illegally attempted to withhold funds and fire thousands of government employees, without any research into what the impact will be, removing safety regulations and services that will cause harm to many Americans, who unfortunately aren’t billionaires.

He has given pardons to everyone who broke into the Capitol building and assaulted police officers.

He has returned to his favorite playbook of using the court system to silence those who question his actions by suing them for outrageous sums or forcing them to sue him to stop his illegal and self-aggrandizing actions. Either way it is extremely expensive for his foes, and Trump can now use the Justice Department to fight his battles for free at tax payers’ expense.

We are living in an era of government by thugs, squandering the integrity and reputation of the United States to fulfill the selfish, mean-spirited ego of one man.

MICHAEL GOLDBERG

Ocean Park