After all of the disinformation, lies and misleading statements over the past four years, it is clear that a significant number of Americans have at best a tenuous grasp of civics, mistake opinion for journalism and happily overlook reality in preference to their innate biases and wishes.
It appears to be true that the president could indeed shoot someone on 5th Avenue, and there would be no consequences from those that support him or curry favor in his shadow. For a democracy that relies on its citizens to be accurately informed and protective of its democratic institutions, this does not bode well.
Since when did America become the land of liars, where telling the truth is not even an expectation in civil discourse? Does that make us great, ever? In our country, when is it ever acceptable for political leaders to attempt to subvert democracy, ignore facts and science, and deceive simply because it is politically expedient? To quote Mark Twain, “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.” If you don’t believe that, then go ahead and send Donald Trump your donation to “defend the election.”
— Mark Wolbers
Anchorage
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