Trump must read T. Friedman

By Kim Tae-gyu

Dear Trump,

My name is Kim Tae-gyu, the business editor of The Korea Times.

I am writing you to recommend a book which impressed me.

Let me begin with a distinguished U.S. citizen.

I am not a big fan of Thomas Friedman, the journalist and writer of such bestsellers as “The Lexus and the Olive Tree,” and “The World Is Flat.” I understand what he writes, but for some reason neither book resonates with me.

That’s why I didn’t immediately read his latest book “Thank You for Being Late” published early last year. I reluctantly opened the book of late as one of my colleagues chose it to discuss at our book club meeting.

Oh my god. This book is much better than Friedman’s previous books. To be sure, it is anti-climax _ it seems to be an awkward combination of two different books: the first part great, the second not so. Its description of the imminent problems (first part) is just amazing but its prescription of how to deal with them (second part) is disappointing.

But still, I am sure it is his best work. In particular, his explanation of climate change, which is based on his extensive experience in Africa and the Middle East, is outstanding.

I know the world’s technological development is “at the second half of the chessboard” _ or its improvement is accelerating at an exponential pace. But I did not know climate change also follows the same path _ or its deterioration is speeding up at a prohibitively fast pace. And this masterpiece highlights the correlation between climate change in Africa and the Middle East and the ongoing refugee crisis.

After reading this book, I strongly recommend you read it. Under your leadership, the United States withdrew from the Paris climate accord, thus weakening global efforts to grapple with global warming.

You claim global warming is a hoax. I think such an attitude is pathetic but it would be impossible to persuade you with a few sentences.

I believe you have a conscience, and if you realized how serious the situation is by reading “Thank You for Being Late,” it may work as an eye-opener.

Plus, you have two very good reasons to do so.

First, Friedman’s book is much better than your “The Art of the Deal,” which you half-jokingly said is the world’s second-best book only after the Bible. I will tell you the truth. Now, your book is the world’s third-best at best because “Thank You for Being Late” is surely better than “The Art of the Deal.”

One more reason is that Friedman is a Jew, a people you seem fond of. The book also includes a part that shows glimpses into the life of U.S. Jews. You would love it.

To be certain, you would not love some parts of it. Friedman likened you to a pathetic “invasive species” that made deep inroads into the garden of the Republican Party. He also criticized your anti-immigration policy. But it deserves your time and attention.

If you read the book, I wonder how you would respond to Friedman’s prescription to deal with climate change _ “dance in a hurricane.”

It means the world should go hand-in-hand and gladly cooperate in the face of a hurricane, which represents the disastrous result of climate change.

Friedman is requiring world leaders and citizens to strengthen collaboration to tackle worsening catastrophes such as Hurricane Irma, which devastated Florida last month.

Here is one last piece of advice. Even if you decide to “dance in a hurricane,” you should watch out for one thing. Don’t dance with your wife Melania Trump because she may inadvertently step on your foot. Her “killer heels” may kill your toes.

Sincerely Yours,

P.S. Stop tweeting and start reading!