Letter to the Editor

The rise of Donald Trump

Mon, 05/30/2016 - 8:00am

Dear Editor:

The rise of Donald Trump to presidential nominee of the Republican party leaves many of us puzzled and amazed. Even Trump himself could hardly believe it. His reaction was, "I was shell-shocked!"

This serves to illustrate as nothing else could the dissatisfaction of the general public with politics as it has become. This is understandable considering how Washington works or doesn't. It could be leading us down the wrong path. I can see now why the German people, facing similar challenges as ourselves, chose Hitler.

Have you noticed the increasingly "chummy" relationship between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump? Both are nationalists and "strong men." Not all dictators seize power by force. Some are elected. "Strong men" are dictators. When such a one arises in a time of social turmoil who is decisive and claims to have all the answers, many are tempted to follow them. Add to these the many so dissatisfied that they just want to bring the whole government structure crashing down. The Republican establishment has brought this on itself with its focus on ideology and failure to address the real needs of the people.

Frances Bredeau

Boothbay Harbor