Many of us enjoy a good mystery. I wish I could solve this one. From what they tell us in speeches, writing and Project 2025, President-elect Donald Trump and his wealthy allies and funders have a vision for America that mystifies me.

They want to destroy the very things that have created the most innovative, opportunity-based and thriving economy on Earth and in history.

Even more astounding, they want to destroy the fundamentals that have allowed them to create and increase their wealth, including the rule of law, banking regulations, public schools, building codes, public health measures like vaccinations, clean air and water, international imports and exports and much more — like safety standards for medicines and cars.

If Trump and his allies follow through on their stated plans to use the U.S. Treasury to benefit themselves, use the Department of Justice to punish opponents with phony lawsuits and investigations, privatize Social Security, Medicare and the National Weather Service and push women, minorities and immigrants out of the labor force, there won’t be much of a country left. Who do they think will buy their products, staff their businesses and allow them to create even more wealth?

We’ve seen this scenario in other times and places. It’s no mystery that it doesn’t end well, even for the grifters and oligarchs. Unless we stop this soon, it certainly won’t end well for most Americans, including MAGA folks.

One solution: All of us must push back and safeguard America.

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria