To The Editor:

To all those saying Democrats are excessively complaining about Trump, I have four thoughts.

First, if not now then when? Should we wait until our 401ks drop even more before speaking up? Wait until tariffs alienate our trusted allies and make inflation worse? Wait until every government program we rely on is slashed and any suspicious-looking person with an accent gets deported?

Trump has even hinted at deporting U.S. citizens, who knows. Typically, I would say “let him cook” early in a presidency, but the kitchen is on fire. Should we wait until the entire house is ablaze to raise the alarm?

Second, the hypocrisy is astounding when it comes to Musk and DOGE. If a rich unelected liberal had a huge role in a Democrat’s administration, our friends on the right would freak out too.

Third, giving up freedoms to the government is a slippery slope; if due process or freedom of the press is taken away does it ever come back?

Lastly, democracy is worth fighting for. Firing inspector generals, attacking judges, defying court orders, cozying up to Putin, it sounds like an autocratic dictator to me.

Ben Franklin’s quote “A Republic, if you can keep it” reminds us of the need for civic engagement. Informed and involved citizens are a good thing. You may not like what we’re saying, but we have a right to say it and raise concerns.

Owen Klicker

Lower Macungie Township