Letter to the editor: Get off of my cloud, Brunswick Beacon

Brunswick Beacon, 07.17.25

In 2024, America was the top country for tourism. Foreigners spent $181 billion here, supporting 15 million jobs that contributed to 9% of GDP. Experts credited much of our success to the diversity of our cities. A nation of immigrants, America welcomed foreign tourists. The National Travel and Tourism Office forecast a 6.5% increase in foreign visitors for 2025. Then, Trump happened. Foreigners used to love us, but “It’s All Over Now.”

Most Americans voted against Trump: an “Angry” minority elected him. Predictably, the convicted felon decided to “Play with Fire.” Trump banned foreign students, bullied Ukraine, threatened to seize Greenland, attack Mexico, and make Canada the 51st state. 

Trump said migrants “aren’t people” but “animals.” The horse racing industry urged Trump to help migrant workers they depend on, but Trump showed less regard for migrants than for a “Beast of Burden.” 

Refugees seeking asylum from bloodshed got no “Satisfaction” from Trump. When they cried, “Gimme Shelter,” he replied, “Let it Bleed.”

Warned that his trade war would bring empty shelves, higher prices and recession, Trump claimed, “Time is on My Side.” He bragged that foreign countries were “kissing my ass” and are “Under My Thumb.”

Trump’s base wanted a “Street Fighting Man,” but foreigners had no “Sympathy for the Devil.” They now see America as hostile, unwelcoming, and unfriendly.

America’s foreign tourism has plummeted 61%: the only country suffering a decline! Our $50 billion travel trade surplus has become a $50 billion deficit. World Travel and Tourism Council president Julia Simpson said, "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. is putting up the 'closed' sign.”

Facing an unprecedented revenue crisis, our stalled travel industry wants foreign travelers to "Start Me Up." Regrettably, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Trump's "Heart of Stone" won't let it take the red on its ledgers and “Paint it Black.” Foreign travelers are moving on, “Like a Rolling Stone.”

Michael Maisel

Sunset Beach