To the editor:

As a Trump supporter I would be angry at his betrayal of America on promised better health care, cheaper groceries, an end to wars and clearing the swamp. Angry that my health care costs have skyrocketed. Angry that I can’t sustain my farm or plan any future for my business in the chaos of trade. Angry that (DOGE) recklessly chopped through programs and people without consideration and lied about the “supposed” efficiency.

I would be angry that not releasing the Epstein files as ordered by Congress is protecting rich pedophiles connected to him. Angry that laws are ignored. Angry that the wealthiest 10% benefit from siphoning wealth from us including the president who has sucked up over four billion through intimidation and ‘legal’ blackmail of corporations and countries. Angry that the MAGA elite have isolated us from our partner countries and threatened them with war. Angry that trump has succeeded to “Make America Hated Again”.

Betrayal is the same strategy used in cults and dictatorships: promise, deceive, dehumanize and destroy. Promises of food, security, freedom, and stability paints a false picture of utopia but under it is the skeleton of chaos, lies, selfish greed and death to those who do not bow to his golden idol while working to Make America Hate Again.

Resistance comes at a high cost. People have already died and more will. Peaceful protests count on marching to fill the jails to over-capacity. The legal system can provide some relief but too often it is too late. Elections may not be enough.

In one year of totalitarian chaos, this corporate coup has created a hole in the soul of America and the world that will take a century to heal. If we are still here to restore respect and empathy and find the strength to stand resolutely for freedom and justice for all.

William Richards

Walnut Grove