Ann McFeatters quoted President Donald Trump as saying, “Only stupid people pay taxes.” Notice how this fake quote resembles the notorious Leona Helmsley quote, “Taxes are for the little people.”

But the president said neither that “only” stupid people, nor that “little” people, pay taxes. He said, during a campaign speech, “I pay as little as possible. It’s an expense, right? That’s the American way. I mean, do you want stupid people?”

Seriously, every honest American tries to pay only what he owes, and no more. Paying more than you owe would be a bit “stupid,” wouldn’t it? If you want to pay more, there’s a line item for that.

The president made the point, in his trademark Queens-NYC patois, that he’s smart enough to pay only what he owes and no more. As most of us are.

Boyd Ready

Haleiwa

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