To the editor:
“The Emperor’s New Clothes,” written by Hans Christian Anderson, is a folktale about a vain emperor obsessed with fancy new clothes. The story begins with a pair of cunning weavers offering to make the ruler special attire that will be invisible to those who are incompetent. When the emperor is dressed in his “invisible” suit, no one wants to be labeled stupid, and all remain silent despite his nakedness. A child blurts out in shock at a parade, “the emperor is naked!”
Liz Cheney, the former chair of the House Republican Conference has been that voice from the crowd, calling out a wannabe king for his pivotal role in the January 6th insurrection. While Cheney supported Donald Trump throughout his presidency, his true colors became crystal clear to her as he ignored all pleas to stop the violence, even as a mob hunted for his very own Vice President with words of “hang him” resounding through the halls of the Capitol. Those who deny what happened that day remind me of the Emperor’s fans, pretending all was well no matter the cost.
Voting for Trump is an invitation to end democracy in America. He has been transparent about his intentions. His former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs, General Mark Milley stated he is “Fascist to his core.” Trump’s former White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly, recently said that if Trump is reelected he will govern like a dictator. Between Trump waxing poetic about present day authoritarian leaders across the globe, and making admiring comments about Hitler, this was an easy conclusion for Kelly to make. Trump has called those many Republicans who have spoken up about him being a danger “losers,” yet he hired each of them, with glowing praise for their intelligence.
America, you are better than this — don’t be fooled! Trump is that “emperor” who in 2016 said, “I could shoot somebody and not lose voters.” Democracy is being tested. It sits at the edge of a cliff. I am not a communist, radical, child killer, or, as Trump would call me, “the enemy from within.” I am a neighbor who cares deeply about my community members and my country.
Janalee Stock
Athens, Ohio
