Sometimes we don't know why we do this letter writing thing. Sometimes we do.

25 September 2017 

President Trump

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington DC 20500 

Dear President Trump: 

It has been a while since I have last written to you.  Frankly, it is getting harder and harder to write to you.  I would like to be able to engage in civil discourse with you, but I am becoming more and more convinced that is not possible. 

I realize that you haven’t read any of the 90 or so letters we have sent (though someone has – we got two nice form-letter replies, and one generic letter about health care.  We appreciate that).  So it really shouldn’t matter to me, but it does.  I need to know that, in theory, I could send you a letter and you could read it, and it might make a difference. 

But, Sir, in the last couple of weeks, you have threatened and provoked a madman with nuclear weapons, used vulgarities to address sports players who are exercising their right to free speech, and have alienated members of your own party.  I am sure that you must have advisors who have counselled you against each one of these actions.  Clearly you do not listen to them.  Why would I think you would listen to me.  I am not a fool.  I know you will not listen to me. 

So why do I keep engaging in this futile task of writing letters to someone who I know won’t read them, and who I am sure, if he did read them, would ignore them anyway. 

The answer to that questions is important.  You have been elected president of this democracy.  It is your job to listen to me, Mr. President, because I, along with the rest of the American people, am your boss.  If you choose not to do your job, that is your business – but I am going to keep doing my job. 

So in that spirit, Sir, I have this advice for you to improve your job performance.  Start acting like a wise ruler who cares for his people.  Stop acting like a petulant child, a bully, and a hothead.  Start thinking before you speak and considering before you act.  Stop tweeting your every thought and acting as though those people who like you are the only people who matter.  Start serving this country.  Stop treating it like it exists to serve you. 

If you keep insulting your boss, mocking your coworkers, and making the institution you run look bad, you may not have your job for much longer.  

Sincerely,

 

Bill Boerman-Cornell