Log in Subscribe

A few of our stories and columns are now in front of the paywall. We at The Chief-Leader remain committed to independent reporting on labor and civil service. It's been our mission since 1897. You can have a hand in ensuring that our reporting remains relevant in the decades to come. Consider supporting The Chief, which you can do for as little as $3.20 a month.

‘In a coverture of silk’

Posted

To the editor:

Donald Trump has often used the song by the civil rights activist, Oscar Brown, and later a hit for Al Wilson, “The Snake,” to promote fear over the danger posed by immigrants allowed into our country. This misuse of a civil rights song is only part of Trump’s xenophobic message.  

Anyone who has seen Trump clumsily stumble through his recitation of “The Snake” and read his body language knows that he is really telling all of his gullible and disappointed supporters who complained when the snake bit the woman (his voters):  “‘Oh, shut up, silly woman’ said the reptile with a grin / ‘you knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.’”  

Voters' remorse because of Trump’s cuts to essential and life-saving services are being vocalized more and louder at town hall meetings throughout the nation. Why did it take a second election of this greedy, autocratic narcissist to begin to wake up his gullible supporters? You knew he was a “snake” (a traitor and a felon) before you voted him in.  

Michael J. Gorman

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • JDonne

    In your letter, you assert that Donald Trump misuses the Oscar Brown Jr. song “The Snake” to promote xenophobia and dismiss voter remorse regarding his policies. However, this assertion is not entirely accurate.

    Trump employed “The Snake” as an allegory to draw voters’ attention to the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. He explicitly stated that “The Snake” represents undocumented workers entering the country, while the woman symbolizes the current U.S. border policy. Trump’s eloquent reading of “The Snake” was a deliberate strategy to highlight the southern border crisis, and it was highly effective. Consequently, informed American voters elected him for a second term in office.

    Monday, April 7 Report this