After reading of the systematic destruction of the world’s economy, stemming in part from the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, and hearing Donald Trump’s rhetoric flirting with similar ideas, I went to bed.
I was relieved to hear the new bold steps announced by the US president, which I’ve reproduced below:
‘During my campaign I promised many things to gain the advantage and outwit my equally false rivals. However, my core value remains: Make America Great Again. Now we can get on with the job.
As of today, we are sending a fleet of military vessels to the Mediterranean to collect the thousands of refugees who would otherwise risk their lives in unseaworthy boats. We will bring these people back to the US for them to benefit from this great country we’ve inherited. These new Americans together with the rest of us will, by our collective power, imagination and creativity, Make America Great Again. We all know the risks we Americans take in making such a bold step, but we will not make the mistakes of the past by penning up hapless people where they can feed off the hate of others. Big-hearted Americans are invited to take part in assisting these people and the government will provide funds and support where applicable. This proactive operation will continue for as long as there are refugees to collect and protect.
If your country doesn’t want you, we do. We have the means and resources to accept, educate and allow you the freedom to generate your own wealth and security in order to Make America Great Again.’
Then I woke up and it was dark and feeling darker.
H. E. Roffey
(As published in the Oxford Times)