Letter: Grateful for true friends

Published 12:15 am Saturday, September 21, 2024

It sounds like a summer blockbuster movie, but it’s actually real life: the U.S. Department of Justice recently indicted two terrorist groups — Hamas and Terrorgram — plus Chinese spies, and Russians spreading misinformation to American election influencers. I’m grateful for the DOJ’s expertise in identifying and indicting these enemies of the U.S.

Convicted felon, coup plotter and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump recently warned about enemies at a Wisconsin rally, on social media and in the presidential debate. But his enemies are things most Americans like, including our NATO allies, public schools and health care during pregnancy.

It gets worse. Trump spreads conspiracy theories, admires dictators and threatens to end elections and the peaceful transfer of power. He attacks women, people who aren’t white or heterosexual, immigrants and anyone who disagrees with him.

Like most actual and wannabe dictators, he promises to use the legal system to get revenge on his opponents. The only rule of law in Trump’s world is Trump’s law.

Democrats, and many lifelong Republicans, reject Trump and the GOP’s right-wing extremism. Like most Americans, they condemn Project 2025’s blueprint for an authoritarian Trump presidency.

When we vote, we must vote for decency, truth, respect and community. I’m voting for true friends of democracy who support the policies and people that help Americans and make our country better.

I’m voting for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and for Astoria City Councilor Andy Davis for Oregon state representative. I hope you will, too.

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria