Dear Editor,

As we approach the midterm elections, we need to be reminded of what is at stake.

Our country’s democratic institutions are at risk of withering away due to the GOP’s unprecedented acceptance of conspiracy and demagoguery.

Republican-controlled state legislatures in various states have successfully passed restrictive voting laws inspired by Trump’s big lie that the 2020 election was stolen. A federal judge signed off on voter intimidation by stating armed vigilantes in Arizona have the right to stake out near ballot drop boxes.

The ambivalence from national conservatives after Paul Pelosi was viciously assaulted at his home displays their lack of accountability that could potentially inspire copycat attacks. It almost seems like they are setting the groundwork for another coup; but this time, they could succeed.

We have discovered the extreme lengths Trump was willing to pursue to stay in power, from sending fake electoral certificates, to signing an executive order to seize voting machines, to calling for another election with military supervision. All this failed and culminated in a last-ditch attempt that involved a violent occupation of our seat of government.

It seems unbelievable, but it was all meticulously planned and nearly pulled off. However, the danger is far from over.

The Republican Party has included the destruction of democracy to their platform, under the euphemism of “election integrity.”

The GOP have proved they value power over principle and embrace unethical methods to achieve such power. We cannot afford to have anti-democratic candidates win in a democracy.

They failed at dismantling it by insurrection, now they will try to do so by election.

Richard Sanchez
Fort Wayne