“Liberty and justice for all.” Most Americans deeply believe those words describe what our country can stand for and aspire to achieve.

Shockingly, a few ultrawealthy, ultraradical people plan to dismantle our government and restrict the rights of the many to enrich the few. While betraying our country, they want to steal our money and endanger our safety, security and privacy.

To achieve those goals, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are obstructing and destroying essential agencies, like the FBI, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

These agencies were created to protect and serve the American people. USAID is a major part of our global diplomacy. It helps people in other countries who are recovering from disaster, working to escape poverty and making democratic reforms. Only 1.2% of 2023’s total federal spending was for foreign aid, and yet it creates abundant positive benefits for America.

With a limited budget, America works to meet urgent global needs. If we don’t do that work, then China or Russia will. Is that what Trump-Musk want?

Please join the growing numbers of fed-up Americans opposing the Trump-Musk coup. Contact Sen. Wyden at 202-224-5244; Sen. Merkley at 202-224-3753; and Rep. Bonamici at 202-225-0855. Thank them for pushing congressional Democrats to stop the Trump-Musk lawless attack on the U.S. government and Americans.

Each of us can help defend democracy from authoritarianism, bigotry and corruption. Stay informed. Get active with Indivisible or other pro-democracy groups. Let’s save our country.

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria