Shocking scenes at Washington Capitol

THE shocking scenes of the storming of the Capitol in Washington started me wondering how it was conceivable in a democracy for people to support a leader:

a) Whose private life and personality clearly made them unfit for high office;

b) Whose popular image depended on a fake persona created by media exposure;

c) Who lacks political principles, and is motivated entirely by personal gratification through power;

d) Who packed an old and honourable party with sycophants and opportunists;

e) Who won support by dividing people, appealing to nationalism, xenophobia and racism and making impossible promises;

f ) Who was prepared to subvert democracy by suspending representative government and attacking judges and media;

g) Who has gravely weakened the international reputation of his nation for competence and honesty.

As you may have guessed, I had Boris Johnson in mind.

Anthony Green

Sidmouth