Dear Mr. Trump,

Maybe you are unaware, but your constant reiteration of the phrase “fake news” to describe everything published about you that you don’t like is starting wear a bit thin. It’s like you’ve put on the same shirt, day after day, so that the material has frayed and come apart and lets everyone see the ugly mess behind it. The American public, in short, is getting tired – so tired – of that constant refrain. The number of people who still think those words are meaningful is dwindling rapidly. Every time you say the same thing, more people are sick of hearing it.

So, sir, my suggestion to you is that you find new words. Perhaps you can characterize the stories you dislike as “Sad, but true …” or “Unfortunately, right on the mark” or “Ah, you caught me this time with my pants down …” or “I didn’t realize that my criminal, treasonous conduct was against the law.” That way, many more people will believe you. Plus, you will capture the element of surprise, even shock, and think of how that will affect your ratings!

Very truly yours,

Bruce J. Berger