I have written before about this election. I write because I am concerned about my country, its people, and future generations.
If you wonder what will become of our freedoms and economy under a Trump, Vance, Moreno, and Jordan administration, just look at Turkey.
Under Erdogan’s leadership Turkey’s once proud democracy has become an authoritarian state.
Turkey has become less tolerant of freedom of expression and public and media critics.
Journalists and other critics have been arrested and jailed because they dared to speak out against Erdogan’s authoritarian rule.
Government institutions necessary to the smooth functioning of government have become weakened and subject to the whims of Erdogan and his party. Power has become centralized into one man basically.
Under Erdogan and his party democratic gains and economic growth have halted. Turkey has become less tolerant of diversity among its citizens. Inclusive politics has given way to exclusive politics.
Take the case of Hungary. While other world leaders have scolded and condemned another authoritarian leader, Hungary’s president, Viktor Orban, Trump welcomed him at Mar-A Lago this year and declared himself to be a “big fan” and Orban to be a “good friend.”
We also know that Trump is a big fan of Russia’s Putin. His affinity toward dictators should tell you something about the direction he wants to take our democratic country, a direction he already boldly proclaimed.
So, if you value our First Amendment and continued economic growth, you will not vote for the gang of four who will erode our freedoms and ruin our economy.
There is too much at stake for anyone to take comfort in some false belief as I have heard many people say, “Well he doesn’t really mean it.”
Well, yes, he does, and it would be foolish to think otherwise.
Paul Robinson
Mansfield, Ohio