Vote for democracy and Wilson

The Spokesman-Review endorsement (Oct. 11) of Cathy McMorris Rodgers argues that her effectiveness as U.S. representative outweighs challenger Dave Wilson’s assertion that enabling President Trump threatens our democracy.

In a normal election that might make sense. But as a typical Congressional Republican enabler of Trump, McMorris Rodgers has displayed cowardice of him and love of power more than country, as he moves to amass more power.

Trump has slandered and tried to eliminate all opposition, completely doing so within his administration and destroying our democratic institutions. He has found an attorney general who will effectively act as his private lawyer. He continually lies and attacks mainstream media as “fake news.”

While alienating our democratic foreign allies, Trump admires and accepts help from strong-armed foreign despots. He causes division and inflames his base by fostering racism, hate and violence. As a consequence, armed paramilitary and vigilante groups have formed to support him.

Most alarmingly, Trump has set up our immigrants, refugees and people of color as his potential scapegoats in his desired rise in power, much as the Jews were in Hitler’s rise.

And as a direct affront on democracy, Trump has continually threatened to suppress votes, including mail-in, and refuses to pledge a peaceful transition of power if he loses.

Anyone who loves democracy has plenty of reason to vote for Wilson, himself an accomplished individual. I did so the day I received my ballot.

Norm Luther

Spokane