Donald Trump’s ballyhoo during the election about “draining the swamp” – claiming he would get rid of the insiders and give the country back to its citizens – was a lie. He’s staffing his administration with Wall Street insiders, lobbyists and the super-rich.

Trump has revealed himself to be a kleptocrat intent on enriching himself and the 1 percent. His self-dealing has already made him susceptible to impeachment, if the party-before-country Republicans were to act ethically. His appointments are an assault on workers while they politically reward inexperienced or incompetent sycophants.

Working people cannot allow a Trump administration the opportunity to impose regressive tax schemes and giveaways to corporations. We cannot allow handing over the benefits of our labor to robber barons. Middle class income is decreasing because of their policies. Manufacturing jobs have been lost due to automation and the increase in production outside the U.S. Trump cannot make those jobs come back. They no longer exist.

What can we do? Support unionism. Join a union and ensure its leadership is honest and ethical. The decline in unions is correlated to decreases in wages and increases in income inequality. Unions protect their members from the abuses of management – who Trump is likely to embolden and empower with the assistance of Congress.

Organize your workplace. You could also join a union like the IWW. Unions are one of the first targets of oppressive regimes because they help everyone by establishing worker protections. Unions are needed for a healthy society and economy. Join a union. Take a stand against Trumpism.

Myron Getman

Troy