In response to Betty Arenson’s article on June 30, “The Indecency of the Left”: Betty’s article unfairly minimizes the indecency of the right (especially Donald Trump) and spotlights the indecency of the left. I would first like to concede that there is indecency on the left – because the left is just exactly like the right in that it is comprised of human beings. No angels here. I think most of us will agree that political debate has reached the lowest point in anyone’s memory during the Trump campaign and his term of office so far. Why? Well, it’s complicated – but, there can be no doubt that it has to do with Donald Trump. He’s the root cause.
When the school principal comes to break up a fight between students, the first thing he might ask is “who started this?” Donald started it. No doubt. Both parties will probably be punished, but the guy who started it will be the subject of what needs to be done to correct the situation for the future.
According to Wikipedia, the definition of a Demagogue: “A demagogue or rabble-rouser is a leader in a democracy who gains popularity by exploiting prejudice and ignorance among the common people, whipping up the passions of the crowd and shutting down reasoned deliberation.”
Donald Trump is a demagogue and he has shut down reasoned deliberation. Once a demagogue has taken control, how can he be defeated? Without reasoned debate there are almost no options.
That’s where we are. That’s why you see indecency on all sides now.
Duane Mooring
Santa Clarita
