To the editor:

Democracy works when people have in-depth political knowledge. Hurray for protestors who have “done their homework” by researching and getting concrete facts in this tumultuous sea of toxic media. TV/radio/Internet, pseudo-commentators and “news reports” grab audiences in service to their paying advertisers and billionaire CEOs. But they have no obligation to factually or even realistically inform people (as NPR and PBS are required to do).

Democracy works when people examine their personal values and stand up for the rule of law, tenets of the Constitution and competent, altruistic leadership. Hurray for the protestors thinking about the rights and freedoms of every race, religion, culture and gender — not just their own.

Have you noticed how the GOP’s politics are transactional? In return for support, voters are lured with promises: lower taxes and grocery prices, no gun control, or even entrance to Heaven. Hurray for protestors who recognize that democratic politics look at the bigger picture to protect citizens and the well-being of the entire nation.

Hurray for protestors speaking up. Those who showed up at the “No Kings” rally know the GOP wants to silence the voices of voters who see through their lies. Oh, the protests are “Hate America” rallies! Nice try, Mike Johnson. Oh, the “Radical Left” must be stopped! Nice try, Trump and Stefanik. Oh, journalists must sign an agreement not to print things we don’t want people to know! Nice try, Pete Hegseth. (Journalists with integrity refused to sign and threw down their Pentagon Press Passes in defense of freedom of the press.) Hurray for protestors who didn’t believe Trump, who claimed to know nothing about Project 2025. Trump has now admitted he knew about Project 2025’s blueprint to destroy our constitutionally founded government. Of course, he knew.

So, while Trump is keeping his base amused, Republican politicians remain silent as unelected influencers like Elon Musk, Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon and Russell Vought disregard every legal guideline to enable Republican/Libertarian billionaires to take charge. (Haven’t you heard? Billionaires are the smartest. They should run the government. We don’t need elections.) Isn’t Trump’s demolition of the historic White House East Wing proof enough that this spoiled millionaire “king” does exactly as he pleases without regard for permits, Congressional approval or popular opinion? Apparently, first lady office space isn’t needed anyway — since Melania doesn’t fill her philanthropic role as previous respected first ladies have always done. Hurray for protestors seeing through this farce.

Martha Hodges

Massena