To any student of psychology and psychiatry it should be obvious that Donald Trump is mentally ill, unless the explanation for his bizarre behavior is that he is ignorant, stupid and meaner than a junkyard dog.

Or one can deduce that he is evil to the core, evidenced by lying, self-contradictory statements, paranoid-like responses to individuals, groups and institutions; cozying up to hate groups such as white supremacists, no memory of his own statements and a blatant effort to dictate. His way or no way.

But his way is uncertain, unreliable and very dangerous to civic and world order. His family and surrounding sycophants also are culpable.

Many citizens will remain clueless until the effects of Trumpism hammer the poor and middle class and even then will not understand the causes. Many will blame it on whoever occupies the White House post-Trump.

I grieve that our children and grandchildren will pay an astronomical price for the damage the Trump administration is doing to the social, environmental and economic fabric of our country. Meanwhile the nations of the world look on as America’s great beacon on the hill goes dark.

Maryneal Jones, Columbus, N.C.