Americans must combat authoritarian agendas
Regarding “Election interference to the end” ( Editorial, Nov. 6): Focusing on the president’s strategy is important, but Americans must understand that President Trump succeeded, and may continue to succeed, because his personal agenda has been so compatible with the wishes and fantasies of millions of Americans.
All the men and women who like it that he speaks our language no doubt still find in him the appealing charismatic authoritarian figure they would like to see in the White House. The same goes for the Republican Party strategists, appointees and elected officials who have been working since the 1960s to deconstruct and disassemble the liberal pluralist state.
What have they wanted instead? The minimalist Nordic state that existed before the New Deal and its successors. Even if Trump is fired and leaves the White House, this project will continue. It will take a combination of demographic change, political education and robust political action to defeat the misguided and ultimately doomed attempts by the Republican Party to reestablish a version of America that existed during the administrations of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge.
Bill Issel, Berkeley
Reform for elections
I greatly enjoyed John Diaz’s excellent action plan in “A checklist to revive American democracy” ( Nov. 1). For now, I would add two more action items to the plan: 1) As in many countries, let’s hold our general elections on a Saturday or Sunday to enable as many voters as possible to participate; and 2) Restrict the maximum length of the national and state election campaigns to 50 days ( similar to Canada).
Mark Larson, Arcata
Not much to envy
I know that he has to say things like this in his position, but I gagged a bit when Joe Biden talked about the U. S. “system of governance that’s been the envy of the world.” Countries with that version of democracy, where every citizen’s vote counts the same, and the candidate who gets the most votes wins, are envious of the U. S. and its Electoral College system, where the popular vote is nothing but a meaningless afterthought?
They’ve certainly had enough time to adapt it since they envy it so much, but not many have done so that I’m aware of.
Larry Schorr, San Francisco
Search for Sen. Graham
Where is Sen. Lindsey Graham in all this electoral mess? Has he tried to recover the decency we once thought he had, or has he decided to go down with the sinking Trump ship?
Palmer Sessel, San Francisco
Universal guidance
The imminent defeat of Donald J. Trump shows us all that the American system works well. The electorate has removed from office one of the most divisive and flawed human beings ever to serve in public office. Unprepared and overwhelmed, the president soon found himself over his head and out of his depth when faced by the coronavirus crisis.
The American people realized this and voted for a change. Democracy works, and we should all take this moment to reflect on the fact that we can do better. Still, there is room for improvement. Moving forward, we should address our corrupt campaign financing rules, the antiquated electoral college system and insufficient uniform election rules for all 50 states.
As we have learned from the COVID19 crisis, we need universal guidance for all of the states together if we are to address the pressing issues that challenge our existence.
Michael Alvarado, San Jose
End of twoparty system
Maybe the time has come for people to consider that the demise of our twoparty system has come. It seems obvious that the divide between the Republicans and Democrats precludes any meaningful cooperation for the good of the country. I would love to see each party split into two, with the result being two conservative parties and two moderate/ progressive parties. Think about it.
Wendy Henderson, Livermore
Fueled by false beliefs
In the articles about the president’s use of propaganda and lies, there rarely is mention of why they are so effective: He tells Americans what they want to believe, and revs up their anger and fear to impede their ability to think logically. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we really could have COVID19 just go away while we safely hang out with our family and friends without wearing masks and maintaining distance; have COVID19 drugs and vaccines developed quickly and safely without government regulation; have no need to pay taxes for the government to provide services; and have Earth’s climate changing exclusively from natural causes?
The president realizes that there is a broad constituency that loves the idea that nothing is our fault or responsibility. Like Santa Claus, it would be so nice if that were true. However, as with Santa Claus, we’re actually the ones who need to pay for the presents.
Mark Schack, San Mateo
Trump’s tantrum
Al Gore walked away from a fight for Florida with legitimate concerns about the integrity of the results for the good of our country. Our president is prepared to fight in as many as six states, a fight to the finish that will not end until he is the chosen one. He has falsely accused dedicated poll workers as cheaters without a shred of evidence, and lies about the observation process, refusing to acknowledge that the process has been transparent and there are people from both sides in the room. He threw a tantrum in the White House on national TV, behaving like a child who can’t get his way and needs to be told to go to his room.
Unfortunately for him, that room could be a jail cell somewhere, someday. Although many of us fear that he won’t go away and will run again, he might spend as much time fighting lawsuits and prosecutors over the next four years as he does running a campaign. He could throw his money at his son or daughter instead, but how much will be left after paying off his debts, including that to society?
Mitchell Goldman, Richmond
A case of love and hate
The election was a case of love and hate. Many Americans saw hate and loved it.
Richard Goeb, Danville
Listen to each other
Regarding “End the divisiveness” ( Letters, Nov 6): What hope is there for a new administration to “bring our country together,” if people of differing opinions just shout each other down? I suggest that, once tempers calm down, we create a formal and safe way of just listening to each other. I really want to understand what made so many Americans vote for a man like President Trump.