Literary critics Dennis Pearce (Herald, April 7) and Tanner DeBoer (Herald, May 26) have, in separate letters to the editor, issued critical assessments of my poem which highlighted the shallow essence of the current first lady (Herald, March 27). They also vilify the paper for publishing it.
Is their criticism justified? In answer, I must point out that the concluding line of the poem indicates that her initials, “M.T.,” form a homophone of “empty.” I do not apologize for this and the subsequent behavior of the first lady supports my case.
What explanation other than emptiness, lack of empathy, outrageous sense of privilege and downright tone deafness could explain flaunting her wealth at the G-7 meeting by wearing a $52,000 jacket to impress the fashionistas?
The cost of that jacket (likely not to be worn again) is equal to the annual income of the average American family, also known as President Trump’s beloved “people who have been left behind.”
And, of course, these are the very people who will be left further behind by the GOP proposal that takes health care away from millions to pay for a tax break for the very wealthy.
Well, it’s good to know that the FLOTUS and POTUS are on the same page. Consistency is a virtue, isn’t it?
Berit Palmer
Durango
