Letter: Good fortune

Published 12:15 am Saturday, December 21, 2024

The other day I received an anonymous letter in the mail calling me, without any commas, a “Democrat Nazi Communist.” Since it’s impossible to be all three of those at once — or even two of those at once — perhaps the letter writer ran out of adjectives to describe me and others who oppose President-elect Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda.

I suggest these adjectives: Pro-democracy progressive activists who believe nearly all of us want the same things — love, good health, physical safety, financial security, happiness and a welcoming community that treats people with dignity, courtesy and respect. It’s my good fortune that I get to volunteer to help make these basics a reality for everyone.

My great-grandparents fled Russia in the 1880s to live here, so I’m always aware of my good luck. It’s a privilege to be an American.

Along with President Dwight Eisenhower, I believe that “politics should be the part-time profession of every citizen.” I’m grateful I can take part in local politics, stay informed about issues and news, work on political campaigns, encourage voting and civic engagement and even write letters to the editor that some people don’t like.

I remain hopeful that pro-democracy activists, regardless of political party, will prevent America from becoming a dystopian anti-democratic theocracy run by billionaires, religious fundamentalists and wannabe dictators.

If you’ve avoided political activism, I encourage you to step up and do democracy. Your country needs you.

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria