Don’t call it ‘conservatism’

Re “Trump takes first steps in a new era of conservatism,” Jan. 21

Was it wishful thinking or an intent to deceive readers that generated a headline on the front page proclaiming we have entered an “era of conservatism”? The headline conflates conservative values with governance premised on authoritarian and autocratic structures.

While the political establishment and the economically dominant profit-driven media may hope for further consolidation of their power, that does not equate with a period in which conservative values will be embraced by a majority of people in this nation. To the contrary, most Americans will not be willing subjects of an administration that promotes suppression of freedom and the reversal of social and economic progress.

What may be more likely to happen is a rise of resistance to this administration on a broader scale, with a more cohesive assemblage of participants sharing a recognition of this administration as a threat to constitutional foundation of the nation. Mitch Lambert

Torrance

Words matter. Why does The Times use the word “conservatism” to describe the ideology of Donald Trump’s presidency?

“Reactionary” or even “radical” are better descriptions.

While Trump continues to malign the press, why do you use a benign word that dignifies his positions? Words do matter. Lucille Gechtman

Sherman Oaks