Prophet for our times

To the Editor:

Perhaps after all, Donald Trump is a prophet for our times. He is showing us the overall corruption in our government; the effects of ignoring climate scientists in favor of fossil fuel industries; how truthfulness is essential to integrity; the effects of alienating our allies and deepening global animosities; the effects of favoritism in “the greatest economy ever” (for whom?); how fascism develops through an elite dismantling of democratic institutions and agencies; how scapegoating distracts from personal responsibility, deepening a divide; the questioning of all news sources; how bigotry and racism are exposing a white arrogance and denial to desperately avoid the loss of privilege.

In fact, the real pandemic is the fear and anxiety the whole world is experiencing these days. Yes, the virus contributes to this, but it is all the above areas of our lives (and more) that are coming out of the shadows to be seen for what they are. So we can thank Donald Trump — our president, not necessarily our leader — for exposing what needs to be healed if we are to sustain our democracy as a way of life in America.

The Democrats are doing what the Republicans did for eight years during the Obama administration. Socialism is also not the answer. There must be a dialogue — an honest listening and willingness to change — if we are to avoid a collapse on so many fronts that we will not recover.

This is not a time for party lines and business as usual. Our true bravery is in admitting we've made mistakes, taking responsibility for our selfishness and accepting the changes that are already happening. Our true freedom is in our ability to choose and change our mind; and this happens from a change of heart. This we must do.

Hoyt Cory Soulsbyville