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John Kelly, a former White House chief of staff, in 2018. Credit…Doug Mills/The New York Times
To the Editor:
In response to the article, “Ex-Chief of Staff Says Trump Would Rule Like Dictator” (news article, Oct. 24), I urge America to pay serious attention to the cautions expressed by John Kelly. This is not a mere exaggeration; Donald Trump is not merely posturing—he genuinely intends to govern in a dictatorial manner.
Consider the multitude of instances that support this claim: Witness how Mr. Trump disparaged esteemed figures like John McCain and Mark Milley, revealing his utter disregard for the military and those who served. Notice Mr. Trump’s insistence on unwavering loyalty from those around him. Remember the shocking moment when he stood alongside Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, choosing to trust Mr. Putin over the assessments of our own intelligence and security agencies.
We have also read accounts of how Mr. Trump’s advisers have persistently sought methods to amplify presidential authority. Perhaps the most alarming aspect is the apparent complicity of numerous Republicans in Congress who remain silent as Mr. Trump increasingly exhibits authoritarian tendencies through his actions and rhetoric. The silence of these lawmakers is troubling and could significantly contribute to the rise of an authoritarian regime.
The signs are unmistakable; John Kelly has made them evident. It is crucial that we take heed of his warnings.
Howard Herman
Skokie, Illinois
To the Editor:
As a child, I experienced the harrowing reality of living in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. I personally witnessed the brutal tactics employed by Hitler’s thugs as they invaded the homes of innocent people, with the intent to exterminate those they deemed inferior—including Jews, the disabled, the elderly, and those who simply did not comply with the regime. Those who dared to listen to foreign broadcasts or harbor Jewish children faced the ultimate price for their bravery.
I was fortunate to survive and live a long life, largely due to the courageous young Americans who risked everything to liberate us from that horrific tyranny at the war’s end. It deeply troubles me that, 80 years later, some descendants of those valiant individuals are now considering the election of a man to the presidency who has been labeled a “fascist” by his own military leaders and who expresses admiration for Hitler.