Donald J. Trump's not looking too well these days. Which is worrisome for a whole list of reasons.
He's the president after all. Head of state and all that.
His vice president, and presumed successor is J D Vance, who wears eyeliner and puts his foot in his mouth so often he may have athletes teeth.
He and his staff keep telling us he's in excellent shape, claiming his MRI showed that he was in great condition for a man his age.
But, if you look at him, it does seem like he isn't doing so well.
President's have hidden health problems before.
Franklin Roosevelt could barely walk. But no one knew that until after he died.
John Kennedy had some serious medical problems, which his doctors kept quiet.
But, back then, we didn't have the internet.
In the digital age, an alternative fact can go around the world five times, before the truth is even discovered.
If Trump keels over, every conspiracy loon in the MAGAverse will be making unfounded accusations, spouting insane theories, letting their followers know what "really " happened.
Not everyone will believe them, of course. But the people who will are the kind of folks who own semi automatic weapons. The kind of people who invaded the Capitol five years ago, and wanted to execute the vice president.
In short, if Trump has a stroke or a cardiac event. If he has a malignancy that he can't hide anymore.
If, heaven forbid, he dies, his devotees are likely to believe he was really murdered and they will be out for blood.
If the president has a health problem, and that problem is being concealed, the nation is at risk.
When the truth comes out, a significant portion of the population won't believe it. They will believe some fiction created by some online influencer, who may or may not have made up their theory to get clicks.
In short, the administration's lies may be putting us all at risk.
Just in case you thought things couldn't get much worse.