What we are now seeing in the country is not, in my estimation, political. It does not have anything to do with Republicanism or any other political philosophy.

What I believe we are seeing is a blatantly criminal enterprise, effected chiefly by an unrepentant felon and his cronies, specifically without regard for the laws or institutions of the country. It might as well be Al Capone and his gang of thugs.

The appeal of this syndicate of greed is based in our deeply set national sense of white privilege and racism, sexism and classism. Its drive is in hate and greed and resentment of ordinary citizens. It is the rise and legitimization of this gangsterism that has enabled the assumed ownership of what I had thought to be all of ours, our country.

What we are seeing and hearing does not include any expression of concerns for the citizens, even on the level of lip service.

Our historical checks and balances are being eliminated, one by one. Accountability is being lost. I anticipate the abandoning of federal elections in the very near term.

During the 2024 campaign Trump clearly announced his intentions against elections (“Vote for me, you’re not going to have to do it ever again.”) It was at that moment that he stood unrepentant, and declared he and his feeders are taking the country over … and going to the bank.

We must find the energy and commitment with which to prevent it.

GREG LAVIN
Astoria