The subject is Donald Trump’s tax returns. He won’t release them, allegedly, because he is under audit. First, there is no statutory reason not to release them. Also, he must have many years of tax returns that are not currently under audit, and they too, have not been released.

The New York Times obtained and released portions of one year of his tax returns that shows he lost almost $1 billion. Thus, he potentially avoided that much in tax liability over a number of years. Possibly, he never pays any federal income tax. Trump says that’s because “I’m smart!” Former New York Mayor Giuliani and current New Jersey Gov. Christie say that’s because “He’s a genius!” He probably did nothing illegal, but took advantage of existing loopholes.

Trump promises increased spending for infrastructure, veterans, and defense. He doesn’t propose eliminating any loopholes. What about him paying a fair share of taxes? I guess he wants the rest of us to pay for these cost increases as well as all existing government expenses.

One thing, not discussed much, is how this “genius” lost almost $1 billion that year. He’s a genius? I’ll bet, he would do as well with our country’s economy.

Richard Metayer

Mystic