To the editor:

I’m worried. Between the Trump-inspired Jan. 6 insurrection and states’ laws to suppress voting and potentially overturn election results, we’re in danger of losing our democracy. Unfortunately, Trump is not solely responsible for our drift towards an autocracy.

Spineless Republicans, who put their own political self-interests above our country’s welfare, fail to call out Trump as he systemically undermines faith in our elections — democracy’s cornerstone — and dismantles our democracy. Then there’s Trump’s beloved and craven advocate, Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has repeatedly spread misinformation to support his stolen election Big Lie. Most outrageous is her false claim that, by failing to provide adequate Capitol security, Speaker Nancy Pelosi bears responsibility for the insurrection. Rep. Stefanik, you know better.

There may, however, be cause for optimism; recent polling shows that the fragility of our democracy is now voters’ number one concern. Fortunately, North Country voters can replace the extreme Stefanik with a moderate who shares that concern.

Matt Castelli protected our way of life by serving on the National Security Council under presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. His patriotism, Jan. 6 and Stefanik’s continued defense of Trump prompted Matt to leave private industry and run for Congress. A Democrat who rejects much of his party’s agenda, he is also on the ballot for the Moderate Party. I implore voters to vote for Matt Castelli on the Moderate Party line, because it’s no exaggeration to say that in this election we’re choosing between democracy and dictatorship. Which side are you on?

Richard Meili

Waterville