Wield dangerous tool

How is it that fraud in our elections can exist in one direction only? Surely the Trumpers understand that among the absentee ballots they so passionately believe should be disqualified are votes for their king. If there was fraud, and to this point all claims of fraud have been debunked, it was committed under the direction of secretaries of state which are Republican in 27 of our states. To continue to delegitimize the election in the closely contested states brings a cloud over any elected official of which many were Republicans.

Having witnessed the Trump playbook over and over, first you start the propaganda machine, make sure the Trumpers receive information that demonizes the issue or persons, then you spew falsehoods over and over until even thoughtful people begin to believe. And after the groundwork has been laid, you get your largest ladle and stir up the pot of divisiveness hopefully providing you an opportunity to win the issue or destroy the person. It has worked many times in the last four years, mostly to the shame of our great country.

Propaganda is a dangerous tool, as history has proven in Nazi Germany, McCarthyism, slavery, and many other times in the past. Humanity has always found ways to rationalize any position or way of life to a specific purpose.

I am not naïve enough to believe this will be the end of this playbook, not with so many tools available to those who choose to use them, but I would like to see a decent level of civility practiced by our leaders. It is not necessary to say the one you disagree with is an idiot or create a demeaning nickname. As Grandpa said, you should listen to everyone; it is possible to learn something from anyone. Respect is powerful. Maybe we can see it in our country again.

MIKE MILEY

Arkadelphia