Maybe Donald Trump’s dubious tariff policies could lead to less rampant consumerism | Opinion
Tariff benefits?
It is possible President Donald Trump’s somewhat dubious economic policies may lead to a new era for American consumerism. Having fewer more costly products available to buyers coupled with fewer available workers to make them could potentially lead to a major shift in consumer behavior. All too many products currently seem to be characterized by planned obsolescence which subtly support the most costly and negative aspects of commercialism.
A shift brought about by the current administration’s tariffs, taxes and employment policies may lead to a greater emphasis on ensuring products are needed and will benefit consumers with a longer and more useful life, and perhaps can even be repaired, reused or repurposed rather than replaced. Accumulation for the sake of accumulation will no longer be in vogue. Buyers may even want and demand actual value for their dollars.
Perhaps having fewer but better choices will outweigh being overwhelmed by having to spend money and time determining what is “most economical” as well as result in a decline in the cost of mountains of trash needing disposal benefiting the environment. It may not all be bad.
Charles Myers, Lexington
JV snub
Our daughter, like many student-athletes, began her college search in earnest last October. Campbellsville University actively recruited her, and we were thrilled; she found her place.
Then, the day before signing, the dream shattered. Campbellsville abruptly discontinued undergraduate programs at Harrodsburg, offering only a Junior Varsity spot. This isn’t what she was recruited for.
The timing is unconscionable. Months of careful consideration, campus visits, and heartfelt decisions, all culminating in this eleventh-hour betrayal. These young women aren’t mere commodities; their futures were callously disregarded.
It was an insult to offer to try-out for a JV offer, it’s a stark devaluation of the university’s initial commitment. Our daughter, and others, face a last-minute scramble to salvage their college plans. Campbellsville University’s decision isn’t just disappointing; it’s a damaging blow to the trust between institutions and the families who place their faith in them. They must do better.
John B Dobson, Lexington
Identity politics
You’ve heard the term “identity politics” many times. “What exactly does it mean?” you’ve probably asked yourself?
Stripped down to its essentials, I think it means that most people are thought to be primarily motivated by their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, education, and social status. No doubt these identities constitute a strong pull on our perceptions of the public issues.
Still, I suspect those motivations are only secondary. What comes first, I believe, are our perceptions of our individual capabilities, accomplishments, and potential.
Most of us feel that we have earned respect and dignity by what we have learned, tried to accomplish, and actually accomplished, relative to our natural endowments. This is how we understand what character means.
So, we tend to think that too much emphasis on our demographic identities is superficial. That’s because we’ve come to believe our destinies are more than the sum of our physiological parts.
The problem with identity politics is its apparent inability to see our character through the demographics.
Tom Louderback, Louisville
Barr’s senate run
In announcing his run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., said, “I truly believe that President Donald Trump’s life was spared in Pennsylvania because God had a plan for him, and we’re watching that plan unfold every single day.”
I respectfully disagree with Barr’s belief that God spared Trump’s life so that he could implement God’s plan. I believe Trump was just lucky; God didn’t save him from being killed. I find it hard to believe Trump is doing God’s will during the first 100 days of his second term.
Revenge-minded Trump punishes those he doesn’t like and intentionally divides our country. Each passing day of his first 100 days, he loses voter support due to his penchant for hurting people of color and people in need.
We need bold, unafraid Republicans to stand-up to Trump when he misleads us. It seems Barr doesn’t want to be that kind of Republican.
Paul L. Whiteley Sr., Louisville
Trump protests
On Saturday, May 3, approximately 80 people braved the rain in Morehead’s Fountain Park to demonstrate against the illegal and unconstitutional policies and actions of President Donald Trump’s administration. The rally was in conjunction with a national effort organized under the 50501 movement — which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement” and a follow-up to the April 5 “Hands Off” rally.
The local action included several speakers: Cameron Jenkins, Morehead State University junior and organizer for United Campus Workers and a member of KY Tenants; Ivy Litton, Rowan County High School senior and Director of KY High School Dems and cofounder of Roots in STEM; Thomas Carew, founding Executive Director of Frontier Housing and recipient of the Dorothy Williams Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Tom retired from the USDA as State Director for Kentucky; Lincoln Caudill, Chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party; Ned Pillersdorf, a Prestonsburg lawyer featured in two CNBC American Greed shows and the Apple TV documentary “The Big Conn” for his work representing victims of Eric Conn’s Social Security fraud.
All the speakers highlighted the numerous ways the administration has undermined democracy and weakened democratic institutions over the last 100 days.
Capp Yess, Morehead
Trump’s lies
Yesterday on “Meet the Press,” President Donald Trump lied as usual. Especially about his future quest for a third term.
Somebody, a Republican member of his cabinet or one of his many lawyers, must have gotten through that thick cranium of his that he legally cannot run for president again. The minute Trump was sworn into office he started talking about running for a third term. Congressional members began mentioning the Constitution, and how it states that presidents can only be president for eight years divided into two separate terms in office. Trump realized he didn’t have enough “yes men” and “yes women” around him to lie to him and make him believe it was possible for him to do so.
Apparently, Trump’s trying to make everybody believe he has given up on the idea of running for a third term. I believe the part about Trump giving up on trying to run an actual legitimate third campaign. BUT - I also remember what Trump told his aids back in 2024 when he was running against President Joe Biden. He told his aide Cassie Hutchinson that if he lost, he would refuse to leave the White House.
Yoland Averette, Lexington
Pope Francis
As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters around the world on the passing of Pope Francis. His life was a testament to humility, compassion, and a profound commitment to the poor, the marginalized, and interfaith harmony.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community publicly honored the Pope’s legacy, recognizing him as a spiritual leader who lived by the principles of justice and service to humanity. The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also remembered him as a man of faith who warmly welcomed Ahmadi representatives to the Vatican and made sincere efforts to bridge divides among faiths.
At a time when religious intolerance and division continue to challenge our global community, Pope Francis stood as a beacon of moral courage, advocating for love, equity, and dialogue. These values deeply resonate with the Ahmadi motto: “Love for All, Hatred for None.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community joins people of all faiths in mourning his loss and celebrating a life devoted to uplifting humanity. We pray for comfort to our Christian friends and for the soul of Pope Francis to rest in eternal peace.
Faizan Ahmed, Lexington
Compiled by Liz Carey