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Respect our fellow citizens
To the editor, Dean Phillips, a 2024 Democratic candidate, revealed in a CNN interview that he attended a Donald Trump rally for the first time. He was across the street when he noticed a long line of people waiting out in the cold for hours. Out of curiosity, he walked over to them. “I met probably 50 Trump people waiting in line. Every single one of them: thoughtful, hospitable, friendly. All of them so frustrated that they feel nobody is listening to them, except Donald Trump.
I thought, ‘What the heck, I’m going to be a leader who actually invites people, doesn’t condemn them.’” Later Phillips said, “My party is completely delusional… and somebody had to wake us up, and if that’s my job, so be it.”
Are people finally breaking free from the divisive propaganda?
Jamie Dimon, in an interview by CNBC, stated that Democrats need to be more respectful when talking about MAGA. “Just take a step back—be honest—he was kind of right about NATO, kind of right about immigration. He grew the economy quite well.
Tax reform worked. He was right about some of China. ...
He wasn’t wrong about some of these critical issues, and that’s why they’re voting for him.” He went on to say that because they are fellow citizens, Democrats should refrain from continuing to disparage Trump voters.
Framing Trump supporters as “deplorables” who are “hugging onto their Bibles and their beer and their guns” is not going to help Democrats. “I mean, really, could we just stop that stuff and actually grow up and treat other people with respect and listen to them a little bit?” Amen!
Perhaps our local Democrat and Republican party leaders could facilitate a structured conversation devoted solely to respectfully listening to one another’s concerns?
-Kamori Cattadoris Newport
Trial, rally and rumblings
To the editor, The defense has rested in Trump’s “hush Money” trial.
The kangaroo court and Judge Juan Merchan wouldn’t allow defense witness Robert Costello to testify. He would have testified that Michael Cohen told him that he had nothing on Trump. Also, former FEC Chairman Bradley Smith has problems with the theory behind Bragg’s case and wanted to testify on Trumps behalf. Merchan would only let him testify to FEC law in general, not specifics. Remember, the FEC and DOJ looked at this case and didn’t file charges. We still don’t have a crime defined in this case.
Anyone following this can see that it’s a circus.
Stephanie Clifford (Stormy Daniels) lied on the stand. Much of her testimony contradicted her previous statements and testimony. Remember, she lost her first case against Trump and had to pay his attorney’s fees (she has yet to pay them). Some of her testimony appeared to be fabricated. m Michael Cohen testified that he stole $30,000 from the Trump organization, saying he felt he was “owed” that money. He still walks free. AOC is on tape saying that Trumps legal cases are like an “ankle bracelet” as the cases are keeping him in NY rather than out on the campaign trail.
Election interference? Trump held a rally in south Bronx, expecting 3,500 at the venue.
25,000 showed up. This made GOP history. Trump plans on rallying in Madison Square Garden soon. America is waking up and Trump is winning big.
24 GOP Governors told Biden not to sign the WHO Treaty.
The treaty would give the WHO complete control over countries during another “pandemic.” Talk about giving up our sovereignty.
China has now surrounded Taiwan and is conducting military drills. Taiwan says it will defend itself. The world may soon be on fire. No one is talking peace.
-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick
A word of caution
To the editor, A word of caution is appropriate for people in our community flirting with Authoritarianism.
The flirting begins with wanting the government to be tough on crime by rounding up all the criminals and imprisoning them. We give ultimate authority to the police and courts to achieve this goal. An example is the desire to round up and deport all the illegal immigrants in America.
While that sounds like a great idea, how many legal citizens will be caught up in the rounding up? What extraordinary and destructive police actions will be needed to round up millions of people, detain them and process them through our courts?
The police in America have been militarized. They don’t even dress or act like traditional police officers. Our legislature has given the police more power and authority to carry out the political demands of authoritarian politicians and biased judges.
The laws become problematic if the police target political opposition groups. It would be fair to say that most police officers are not fond of protesters. Recall how violently the police acted during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. Recently, we saw police in riot gear clearing college campuses of protesters in tents. On the surface it seems appropriate to restore order, but suppression can turn into oppression with authoritarianism.
Most people in our community support the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution, but flirt with authoritarian government by supporting politicians that promise to root out the targeted vermin and thugs (Democrats?). Candidates that promise to use the police and military to round up their political opposition shouldn’t receive our votes.
Flirting with Authoritarianism is like shooting at a figure you see in a polished solid steel mirror. First, they come for them and next they come for you.
-Pete Scobby Newport
