86 Promises, 47 Excuses

The Trump administration is prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey for posting a photograph of seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Prosecutors call it a threat; Comey says it was political speech. To me, the case is an outrageous affront to the First Amendment. CBS News

But let’s set the seashells aside for a moment and talk about another set of numbers: the ones staring back at Americans from the gas pump.

Donald Trump promised to bring prices down. Instead, his tariffs have made imported goods more expensive, and his war with Iran has helped send fuel costs soaring. Diesel prices have reached record highs, raising costs for truckers, farmers and the businesses that deliver the goods we buy. reuters.com

And what is this war supposed to accomplish? We’re told it’s necessary to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon—a warning Americans have heard from Republicans for decades. Iran’s nuclear program is a legitimate concern, but a 2025 U.S. intelligence assessment said Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. Americans deserve a clearer explanation of why this war was necessary and what it is costing us. everycrsreport.com

How long are we supposed to endure the strain on the world economy while Trump blames everyone else for the consequences of his decisions? When will his supporters hold him accountable for the promise that helped put him back in office?

The evidence doesn’t require a photograph of seashells. Just look at the price when you fill your tank.