Tony Smith
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
Republican “never Trumpers” are calling the November election a vote on the future of Democracy. That seems plain. Since 2015 you can see what it looks like. One party rule has control of the Congress, the Supreme Court, the presidency and most governorships. It is not Democracy. That trend has accelerated since the November 2016 election.
Millions claim religion but support a man living outside religion. Their goal is to force their minority religious views on others. Red states like Missouri supported Trump because of big promises for future jobs, schools, better healthcare, and roads. They bargain with a devil to secure a Supreme Court that gives more power to rich people. That court is now expected to remove legal remedies against abusive business practices and normalize religious bigotry. In Iran and Saudi Arabia, we call this theocracy. It is one denomination rule. Certainly not Democracy.
What has one party rule brought? Trouble for schools and hospitals in rural areas that are under extreme pressure to survive. Employment numbers are up but millions of families must have two and three low-wage jobs to make ends meet. Roads and bridges can be saved or improved if we raise gas taxes or impose toll roads. What will one party rule do? So far, much has been promised and little delivered. Lack of planning has been evident. Repeal and replace was just a bumper sticker. One man rule has been chaotic.
On a positive note, the wealthy upper 10 percent are doing well. Some of us got a few hundred dollars from tax cuts. That is offset by removing citizens from healthcare. Those people are going to emergency rooms for uncompensated care. That raises everyone’s health insurance. Meanwhile Trump trade wars means that everyday items we buy cost more. Single party rule means the wealthy pay less. You and I pay more.
Millions of dollars are flooding into Missouri to keep one party rule going. If you believe a theocracy or plutocracy is what we need, your choice is clear. I urge you to not turn your back on the greatest form of government devised in recorded human history. On Nov. 6 we will learn if a Democratic form of government will be kept alive or if we enter a new dark age of uncharted and uncertain waters.