By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The House Oversight Committee released a document featuring a joke about Jeffrey Epstein allegedly “selling” a woman to Donald Trump for $22,500. The image, originating from Epstein’s 2003 birthday book, includes a novelty check purportedly signed by “DJTRUMP” and a handwritten note. The note, apparently from Joel Pashcow, refers to Epstein’s skills with “money + women.” The White House denies the authenticity of Trump’s alleged signature and any involvement in the matter.
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Epstein’s birthday book including a joke about selling a “fully depreciated” woman to Trump for $22,500 is a really disturbing piece of information, and it’s understandable that it’s sparking a lot of strong reactions. The core of the issue is the blatant objectification of women and the potential trafficking implications, making it a dark commentary on power, wealth, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The phrase “fully depreciated” is particularly jarring, hinting at the idea of a person being used up and discarded like an object.
This phrase could mean a few things, and the context certainly doesn’t make it any less repulsive. The most obvious interpretation, considering the allegations surrounding Epstein and Trump, is that the woman was considered to have reached a certain age, or “use” point, and was now less valuable. It’s a dehumanizing concept that treats a person as a commodity. Some of the discussion revolves around whether this “joke” refers to Melania, and given the timing of the alleged transaction and her eventual marriage to Trump, it’s a very plausible suggestion. The idea that the woman in question was somehow “passed on” or sold to Trump is utterly disgusting.
The reaction to this “joke” is unsurprisingly one of outrage. People are disgusted by the casual way in which such a disturbing act is being described and how little the alleged perpetrators seem to care about the morality of the situation. The comments suggest that this is just the tip of the iceberg. It touches on the idea of a deeply entrenched network of the wealthy and powerful, who allegedly see themselves above the law. The perceived insensitivity to human life is disturbing.
The timing of this “joke” and the potential involvement of prominent figures is particularly troubling. It suggests that these behaviors might not have been taken seriously, or that there may have been an effort to shield those involved from accountability.
The fact that such a thing exists in a “jokey” birthday book is quite shocking. If such a thing is written with a lighthearted tone, what else might be within the actual files? The fact that it’s in a birthday book implies that the act wasn’t seen as something particularly secretive or shameful.
The commentary also touches on the way different media outlets might handle this information. The discussion about the conservative news outlets is particularly insightful and shows how news can be filtered and interpreted differently based on the underlying viewpoint. There’s a general concern that this story won’t get the attention it deserves, and that people who already support Trump will find ways to dismiss it. The perception that a large portion of the public will simply ignore it is disheartening and highlights a breakdown in trust and consensus.
The overall tone of the discussion is one of profound disillusionment. The belief that the powerful are shielded from consequences and that those who support them will turn a blind eye is a recurring theme. It’s a sentiment that reflects deep-seated concerns about the state of the world and the erosion of moral principles.
The responses range from disgust to utter disbelief. The fact that such a thing, if true, is even possible is what’s so unsettling. There’s a strong sense that the people involved should be held accountable and that justice should be served.
Overall, this is a story about the depths of human depravity, the abuse of power, and the potential for complete moral decay. The “joke” about selling a “fully depreciated” woman highlights the worst aspects of greed and disregard for human life.