I think that your assessment of Trump's letter is woefully pompous, insulting, and just not supported by the actual text of the letter.
I am not a Trump fan because, in my book, Trump is another person whose great personal success has been built on the pyramiding of debt by the US, public and private. The fortunes of his empire ebb and flow with quantitative easing as we have read for years in the papers.
That said, this is a very good letter, but one whose style has become foreign to a generation of Americans who were taught to obfuscate the point they were trying to make, if any, to assure that we could all just get along.
The letter states a thesis right up front, and presents supporting evidence, all in a fairly short straightforward manner. It is gramatical and the punctuation is as accurate as one can get these days.The letter explains, but does not over explain. I presume that when journalist Collins tries to take on one of his points, claiming it is not thoroughly supported, she will find out with further elaboration that it was indeed well supported and that she is even a bigger dunce than he accused her of being the first time around.
Simple and straightforward English is not "elementary" but the height of cilivization. The Btitish used to teach their better educated classes this manner of address, although it is falling into disuse there as well. We Americans, well, aside perhaps from Lincoln, we have never used it. But don't compound a national fault by demonstrating your personal subscription to this disease.
I for one have gained a modicum of respect for Trump with this letter.
Deserves repeating Andy, I may quote you in future Trump threads if you don't object.
I am in no way comparing Trump to Lincoln - that would be ridiculous. But let’s remember the famous Gettysburg Address story and the poor fellow who made the two hour speech.
I totally agree with the plain speech theme. This link goes to what I consider a great example. Hank Williams has been described as having the ability to make everyday simple language sound like great poetry and I agree.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkztDzpTHKA
“The silence of a falling star
lights up a purple sky.”
If that sentence don’t get to you you just ain’t country. Those few words create a world of mental images for me.
I agree wholly on your analysis of the letter. It is concise and accessible.
I also agree with your Trump analysis. No one talks about his bankruptcy. I am a New Yorker. I can not forget it.
I am still very glad he is out there getting attention to the birth issue which has been derided and covered up by the media - from the left and the right. Trump is a welcome gadfly.