To the editor: While I have criticized columnist Jonah Goldberg in the past, he hit the nail on the head regarding political rhetoric in this year’s election, particularly regarding the truth about former President Trump’s claim that he is a “threat to democracy.”
Claiming that our legal system is rigged because juries and judges keep deciding cases against you (for things like fraud, defamation, and sexual abuse) is a threat to democracy.
Blackmailing a foreign leader into launching a baseless investigation into his political opponent is a threat to democracy.
Promoting the “Big Lie” about the 2020 election without any evidence of fraud, thereby undermining confidence in our electoral process, is a threat to democracy.
Trying to pressure a state official to find votes that do not exist is a threat to democracy.
Creating fake voter lists to disrupt a free and fair election is a threat to democracy.
Pressuring your vice president to exceed his constitutional power in order to keep you in office is a threat to democracy.
Thinking about ending the Constitution and being a dictator for a day is a threat to democracy.
Calling a mob and fomenting an insurrection against the government: that is a threat to democracy.
Earle Hartling, Culver City
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To the editor: Trump was nearly assassinated in July. Then, just a week ago, someone was caught apparently planning to shoot him at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. And Trump is supposed to be to blame? (“As Political Violence Escalates, Telling the Truth Gets Harder,” column, Sept. 17)
To say his rhetoric could incite violence completely ignores the plethora of outrageous comments from Joe Biden’s campaign and now Kamala Harris describing him as a dangerous autocrat. They have ridiculed him with all sorts of insults and insinuations about how he will destroy democracy if elected.
Both parties are using inflammatory language in their efforts to win this crucial election, but citing only one side is misleading.
Marcus Kourtjian, Northridge
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To the editor: No, The Times cannot use the term “both sides,” as if there were any comparison between the radical elements of the Democratic and Republican parties. (“Amid Trump’s Incendiary Rhetoric, Radicals on Both Sides of Political Divide See Violence as Justified,” Sept. 17).
Perhaps you should read Laurie Winer's op-ed explaining how the Republican candidate's use of hyperbole and superlatives resembles the speech pattern of fascists of the past who detached themselves from reality and incited their followers to violence.
Quoting an expert who says that comparing the frequency with which Trump says something outrageous and the frequency with which Democrats say something outrageous “is meaningless” does not give you coverage that suggests the parties are on an equal playing field. Words matter in journalism.
Shelley Rivlin, Encino
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To the editor: Trump uttered an absurd lie about the Haitian community in an Ohio town during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, which was watched by more than 67 million people. His intention was to dehumanize Haitians, score political points and fuel anti-immigrant resentment.
Its effect on the community of Springfield, Ohio, was swift and terrifying. The threats forced schools and public offices to close and public events to be cancelled. State police were called in.
This time it's Haitians. Next time it could be your ethnicity and community.
This is Trump's vision of America: chaos and lies. Imagine four more years of this if he returns to the White House. Are you ready for that?
Jared Sloan, Silver Lake
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To the editor: Putting the toothpaste back into the tube won't be easy.
Our society is not what it was before Trump became president in 2017. There are too many social media platforms that quickly disseminate the candidates' comments.
We, the voters who elect leaders, have a greater responsibility. We are living through what happens when there are not enough adults in the room.
Dan Mariscal, Montebello
