Donald Trump has demonstrated that he is a threat to our democracy. He has exhibited the same actions that dictators employed in their rise to power and their establishment of an authoritarian government. These are his words and actions: Embolding supporters and radical groups to intimidate voters and attack our government. Depicting political opponents as enemies of the people and government. Attacking and condemning the media for their reporting of him. Claiming elections we’re fixed and therefore discrediting the democratic process.

Attacking government agencies: FBI, EPA, FDA, CDC, CIA, DOJ. Accusing the government and private companies of manipulating votes: “election was stolen.” Scapegoating minorities, ethnic groups, and “shithole countries.” We need to remember the rise of dictators in other former democracies. The rise of Hitler to power in Germany included the same actions as Donald Trump. After the collapse of the Weimar Republic in 1933, Hitler came to power and established a totalitarian dictatorship in Germany.

Richard Trotta

Andover

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