To the editor:

The final word: History. Will history exonerate Donald Trump? Will school kids a couple of generations from now be taught the 2020 election was stolen and the Jan. 6 rioters were patriots, not insurrectionists? Will Trump, a convicted felon and rapist, a man who appeals to Americans’ worst instincts: fear, racism and xenophobia; a man who admires dictators and aspires to rip up our Constitution; are you suggesting this man will be regarded as one of our finest presidents?

History is not kind to authoritarians. In the two world wars of the 20th Century, American soldiers fought and died to preserve democracy in Europe and around the globe by crushing fascism and dictatorship. Trump considers those soldiers “losers” and “suckers.” Do we honor their sacrifice by electing this man president? Trump has had secret communications with our enemy, the murderous dictator Vladimir Putin and has talked openly about using the U.S. military against American citizens.

Trump has repeatedly told us who he is; why are we not listening? His MSG rally was the most racist, hate-filled rally since the pro-Nazi rallies of the 1930s. Our president should appeal to our better nature, not our sense of grievance, blame and retribution. When Project 2025 becomes reality for us, are you going to proudly tell your grandchildren you voted for this demagogue?

Ray Clasen

North Fort Myers