Letter from Chip Northrup

Trump Supporters ‘Got Conned’

Gas has hit $4.00 a gallon way down here in Texas, where oil was invented. Way back in the summer of 2024, I distinctly remember seeing a Trump/Vance campaign sign on Route 166 that promised lower prices. Another sign promised that Trump would keep America out of war.

And so, almost two whole years later, here we are. At war again in the Middle East, with war and tariff-driven inflation, but the red hats are still looking the other way, because, as long as ICE is arresting and deporting Mexicans, they can be placated.

LBJ explained it this way: “If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you.”

Whoever emptied their pockets for those signs on Highway 166 wasn’t betrayed. They got conned. But at least Trump has provided them with people and countries and religions to look down on. So they have that cold consolation when they groan at the gas pump.

Chip Northrup
Cooperstown