Similarities between Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump, and the existential threat of the federal debt [letter]

After running the Princeton Half Marathon, I had to visit Grover Cleveland's grave. Before Donald Trump's election victory this month, Cleveland was the only two-term president not to have served consecutive terms.

Trump and Cleveland share many similarities.

Both were from New York.

Both campaigned as reforming outsiders who would eliminate government waste.

Both never held any national kind of office before becoming president.

Both suspiciously avoided the draft.

Both believe(d) in strong restrictions on immigration.

Both had multiple sordid sexual scandals.

Both married much younger women.

As we prepare to begin Trump's second term, Trump must address the greatest issue he never addressed in this campaign. Democrats and Republicans, collectively, have done a poor job, as evidenced by the $35.9 trillion debt (and counting) that our country has accumulated over the past 44 years.

Moving forward, I hope all of us can identify this as the greatest issue that could destroy the United States of America and our children's future. The interest payments alone this year are 20% of our entire budget. Imagine, as a family, paying 20% of your income on credit card interest.

We need to demand that President-elect Trump and Congress stop this madness during the next four years, before it's too late. Our kids will not be able to pay soldiers, police officers, teachers, border agents and environmental protection officers.

Michael Kurtz

East Earl Township