This is not a drill; our democracy is at grave risk

Dec. 7 -- To the Editor:

In an interview this week with Donald Trump regarding his plans if he were reelected president, Sean Hannity asked him “You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?” Trump’s response was, “Except for Day One.”

So, Mr. Trump has publicly stated that he would abuse his power, violate his oath and go after all those he considers his enemy’s. on the first day of his second term.

Unfortunately, Trump would only need one day to put his authoritarian plan into action.

Just consider the immense damage he could do in just one day. For starters he could sign a slew of executive orders that had been prepared before taking office. These executive orders could involve all sorts of illegal and/or unconstitutional actions to solidify his power and control. He could declare martial law or even invoke the insurrectionist act to begin a purge of the government and to take control of the entire executive branch. He could appoint his zealot friends as acting cabinet secretaries of all executive departments who would follow his illegal orders. No need to wait for Senate confirmation. God knows what else he has planned. This is what other dictators have done to secure unlimited power throughout history, and it can happen here.

One day is all that Trump would need to fulfill what he and his fellow conspirators have already stated publicly. Failure to take his promises and threats seriously would be a grave mistake. Unfortunately, most Republicans are still too fearful of Trump to speak out and he still remains the leading potential Republican Presidential candidate. If we fail to stop Trump now or in November, we may never get another chance. This is not a drill; our democracy is at grave risk. Rich DiPentima Portsmouth