I find myself in rare agreement with Ms. Moon in her May 30 Post Register guest column. American politics changed forever when the person elected by the American people came down that golden escalator. What was ushered in was not a vision of positivity, prosperity, and progress, but a reality of dystopia, distrust, and disillusionment. Our president claimed to speak for the working person and then sat with billionaires during his inauguration. This president, who claimed to make America affordable again, presides over a needless war of choice and $4.50 a gallon gas. Our “leader” promised to reform government, but has cut basic research, harmed public safety, and abandoned friends and allies around the world. Is the “leader of the free world” someone who would rather rub shoulders with dictators and tyrants than support American democracy?
The rot from the top has infected our state, too. The largest fundraiser during the recent primary was Governor Little, whose ads proclaimed him the best supporter of the president and his agenda. It has affected our state legislature, which passed huge tax cuts benefiting the rich, then cut the budgets that supported our most vulnerable citizens. Fortunately, polls demonstrate that the MAGA way of viewing the world is becoming increasingly unpopular with the average citizen.
The Brothers’ Grim story Little Red Riding Hood comes to mind when reading Ms. Moon’s column.
Mr. President, what big ears you have … Ah, my child, the better to hear the whispers of those who flatter me in pursuit of power. Did you see how I destroyed those who spoke against me?
Mr. President, what big eyes you have … Ah, my child, the better to see ways of making money for my supporters and me. Have you seen my latest meme coin?
Mr. President, what big arms you have … Ah, my child, the better to squeeze resources from the American people. Have you seen the design for my latest monument to my greatness?
Mr. President, what big teeth you have. Gulp.
Wake up, America. No hunter is coming to save you. It is dark and dystopic in the belly of the wolf.
The vision promoted by MAGA supporters is neither democratic nor populist. It is divisive and authoritarian. It turns a deeply felt need for change into increasing power for those who break faith with those who elected them.
Ms. Moon is correct in her assertion that there is much frustration in the country. When a college education is out of reach for the middle class, there is a problem. When young people cannot afford a mortgage, that is an issue crying out for a solution. But putting the wolf in charge is not the answer. It is a recipe for disaster.
Todd DeVries is a local mental health professional. He is the state committeeman for the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.