Trump speaks like a dictator; is that what we want?

Trump supporters had better start thinking seriously about life under dictatorship. The first loss is your right to criticize the government. In Russia, you fall out a window. In North Korea, you’re shot on the spot. Trump admires dictators and envies their power. If you like complaining about the government, better enjoy that hobby while you can. You won’t like everything he does. But you will say nothing.

If you respect the police and expect them to respect you, get over that too. Trump has promised to “indemnify” all police officers. Attention Mr. Trump: police officers are already indemnified by their employers. What Trump means is to let police and “his” Proud Boys brutalize citizens without legal consequences. He has specifically endorsed shooting shoplifters, political opponents, and desperate refugees. Think German SS troops: judge, jury, and executioner, all in one. So efficient! So un-American. So probable under a Trump dictatorship.

And then there’s torture. Trump supports “waterboarding and a hell of a lot worse.” Dictators use torture to instill fear in the population. If you enjoy living in fear, you’ll love the “great” Trump dictatorship.

It’s impossible to picture the founding fathers, or any real American patriot, ever voting for a presidential candidate who, like Trump, openly plans to be a dictator on “day one” or any other day. That is as un-patriotic and un-American as it gets, no matter how many flags it’s wrapped in.

This November, vote for freedom, not dictatorship.

Ken Dammand

Tulalip

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