Democratic principles

If enticing the loyalty of supporters by demonizing opponents, creating fear-driven fealty from party members and successfully monetizing disinformation have become the new measure of political prowess in the Republican Party, the current president is truly the rightful torchbearer. We must admit his creative genius for marketing false narratives. He is the da Vinci of divisiveness, the Rembrandt of revenge, and the Picasso of pious grievance. He is the Friedrich Nietzsche of beyond good and evil in a world where politicians brook no mind to truth, decency or democratic principles — a world where the whim of one’s ego becomes lord of the realm. If one is want for chaos, alternative facts and conspiracy theories as a party platform, the choice has become tragically clear.

Flag- hugging patriotism and high-handed support for democracy does not pass for political integrity when it only applies if party’s candidate wins. Two Arkansas House members along with our junior senator sang loudly from the chorus of anti-democratic collusion. In doing so, they abandoned the defense of our constitutional republic at a time of great peril.

May Republicans one day find a renewal of rectitude, and regret the wanton seeds scattered in the clouds of Mount Trumpus. May they soon awaken from the unseemly spell cast upon them by a false prophet. May they again open their eyes to truth and find the courage to defend democracy.

RONALD HENDERSON

Little Rock