Letter: Sign of the times

Published 12:15 am Thursday, August 29, 2024

The big Trump sign on the big black truck parked at 11th and Exchange streets in Astoria says, “Take America Back.” I’m still waiting for the owner to tell us which Native tribes will get to take America back.

In the meantime, let’s take America back from former President Donald Trump, the convicted felon, sexual abuser, misogynist, racist and wannabe authoritarian.

We can take America back from the Republican members of Congress who cravenly obeyed Trump’s order to block a bipartisan immigration reform bill that Republicans and Democrats had developed after months of work.

We can take America back from wealthy GOP funders who back Project 2025, a blueprint for an imperial presidency based on revenge, Christian nationalism and ultraright extremist policies, including more tax cuts for the wealthy.

We can take America back from election deniers in Congress and state governments. They continue to deliberately suppress voting and undermine elections and the rule of law. Even worse, their goal is to install Trump as president in 2025, regardless of the outcome of November’s election.

We will take America back if Democrats and like-minded others vote. Republicans win when Democrats don’t vote. When Democrats vote, Democrats win.

I prefer this sign: “Give Back to America.” Each of us can help pro-democracy candidates by volunteering, donating and reminding people to register and vote. Let’s defend and strengthen our democracy — and celebrate the optimism, freedom and promise of America.

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria