"Smart" people and the peril of democracy

One of the things that always impressed me about my mentor, Jerry Shulman, was his dedication to democracy.   He took his civic duty seriously, including paying taxes.  While he didn't enjoy the annual ritual, he always said it was a good year if he  had to pay his share to keep government and all the services it provides running smoothly.  He had many good years.  I would contrast that with the antics of the insult comedian running for president.  Evidently , The Donald has not paid federal taxes since sometime in the 1980s.  As chronicled by various reporters, his business past is littered with failures, most of them bailed out by his father.  If he had not been tapped to host "The Apprentice" series of reality tee vee shows, which showcased all the horrible aspects of his personality, he would probably be a greenskeeper at one of his golf courses.  As he no doubt knows, releasing his tax returns would be the final nail in his political coffin.  It would also show that despite his protestations of patriotism, he is unwilling or unable to support the nation he aspires to lead.  Jerry Shulman would be shaking his head in disbelief that such a charlatan could be one election away from disgracing America.