To the editor: Former President Trump’s use of the phrase “the enemy within” channels the propaganda that flourished in Germany after World War I (“Trump is stepping up his anti-democratic rhetoric. It’s time to listen,” column, Oct. 15).
The idea explained to the Germans why they were defeated. After all, it had to be an inside job, because the vaunted defeat of the German army could not be explained by a failure on the battlefield. Instead, it had to have come from internal enemies. “They” were the ones who crept up to deliver the “dolchstoss,” or the stab in the back, to Germany.
And who do you think the propagandists are referring to when they talk about the internal enemy? What about the Jews, Democrats, disloyal Republicans, and regular subjects Trump threatens to arrest?
Someone in the Trump camp who knows this propaganda has Trump's ear. It's time to wake up, because the danger is real.
Richard Leslie Brock, Indian
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To the editor: There is a cultural conversation that is infecting the planet. Hate speech, intolerance and division are becoming normalized around the world.
It reminds me of what my grandparents must have gone through in the 1930s in Germany. They were decent, hardworking farmers from the Rhine Valley. I imagine Germany was a country full of people like them, similar to people all over the United States today.
A narcissist and convicted felon rose to power in the 1930s using hate speech and fear. He indulged the worst human emotions. Conversations in social clubs, taverns, and across billboards in Germany focused on how evil the Jews were.
Everything was invented. Collective discourse normalized hate and resulted in the murder of 6 million Jews.
But just like hate, kindness can be normalized. The goal should be to normalize kindness as an antidote to the pandemic of hate. Experience the joy available by making a difference in someone's life by being kind.
Sid Fey, Warrenville, Illinois.
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To the editor: The Oct. 15 newspaper published several negative articles about Trump and none about Vice President Kamala Harris.
It is interesting that Democrats and their acolytes can call the former president Hitler, Mussolini or a fascist, and accuse him of violent rhetoric, something that really makes the head shake.
Why don't you support Harris now and end the suspense? When did the Los Angeles Times become part of the Democratic Party apparatus?
Marcus Kourtjian, Northridge
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To the editor: Thanks to Anita Chabria for her column on Trump's rhetoric. I would like to add one more horrible statement he said recently.
At an event in July, he said, “My beautiful Christians… in four years, you won't have to vote again, we'll fix it so well you won't have to vote.”
Think about what that means. Our freedom of speech, and therefore voting, will disappear and be replaced by a dictatorship after this election if we vote for Trump and his hateful agenda.
We are on the brink of the abyss. We still have a choice.
Suzanne Schechter, Oxnard
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To the editor: “Don't worry, after all that, I might never get nominated.”
“Don't worry, after all that, I could never be chosen.”
“Don't worry, after all that, I might never be nominated again.”
It's time to worry. A lot. Everything is at stake.
John Ibson, Claremont
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To the editor: Trump must admit that he lost the 2020 election in order to claim victory this November.
The 22nd Amendment states: “No person shall be elected to the office of president more than twice.” How can he swear to defend the Constitution if he does not admit defeat?
Howard Helman, Redondo Beach
