Letter: Trump will never be reader’s president

It's obvious that the Russians tried to sabotage the presidential election. Their laser-focused dedication suggests that they had a particular objective in mind and the fact that only one candidate was targeted makes that objective clear.

Donald Trump deployed the hacked materials at every opportunity. Why would he do so if he didn't think it would help him win? That would be silly.

Meanwhile, the Russians are reportedly giddy about the outcome, suggesting their goal was achieved. Put it all together and we have ourselves a tainted election. I understand that members of 'the establishment” are professionally obligated to affirm the validity of this outcome, earnestly deconstructing every Trump tweet as if it were anything more than a scrap of self-serving ephemera. As for me, I will never accept Trump as my president.

This election represents the triumph of emotionally-charged marketing, as when a TV pitchman helpfully assures you that everybody is repulsed by your plaque psoriasis even if you hadn't noticed. But, as somebody once averred, nobody ever loses money underestimating the intelligence of the American people, one of the few things Trump actually seems to know. Meanwhile, he has four years to unleash climate-destroying forces that, once liberated, can probably never again be reined in. So congratulations, suckers. Enjoy your pretty shiny objects while you can.

Cindy Adhikari

Cedar Rapids