Americans are being gaslit
As almost every recent issue of the Orlando Sentinel demonstrates, Americans are being gaslit daily by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. In their narrative, the Jan. 6 thugs are heroes; Charlie Kirk should be canonized; it is acceptable to demonize anyone who does not agree with you; the Hatch Act is irrelevant, and the president is above the law. As I see it, it’s deceitful, and it’s also the favorite tool of totalitarian regimes.
Demonizing “the other” is the basic building block of racism and xenophobia and the preferred weapon of every dictator in history. Openly attacking states governed by Democrats, posting notices in airports that Democrats caused the current government shutdown, and claiming that the president and his supporters are above the law are examples of tactics that, throughout history, have led to the destruction of lives, financial systems, and countries.
What options do Americans who prefer to live in a democratic country rather than one ruled by a dictator have? Create factual stories to counter those offered by the current administration. Do this calmly and, if possible, with humor. The reason Trump is terrified of Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Jon Stewart is that a humorous approach works: people listen, people laugh, and then a few start to think.
Recognize that fascism is not built on reason or respect, it is built on resentment and rage. Acknowledge both but do your best to avoid feeding the rage or fueling the resentment.
Refuse to be gaslit. I believe everyone who opposes the current regime is on the right side of history.
Maggie Culp Longwood
Will new Winter Park district unite?
The Orange County Commission certainly achieved its goal of diversifying the districts with the Winter Park district now running east to the St. Johns River (“New Orange commission districts dash Winter Park’s bid for more influence,” Oct. 15). Quite a chunk of land and plenty of cultural diversity. Linguistically, will our recently arrived New Yorkers and Bostonians even be able to communicate with our native Bithlonians and Walmartians? Is this diversity good or bad? Time will tell.
Alan Price Winter Park
Feel empowered to vote
Immigration has long been a part of our story. My parents and I came to the United States from Vietnam in 2007 in search of a better future than our home country could offer. I was barely one year old when we arrived, so this country is the only home I have ever truly known. I am grateful to live in Orlando, a city brimming with diversity. This allowed me to connect early on with classmates who had also immigrated at a young age, and a vibrant Vietnamese American community that strengthened my appreciation for heritage and culture.
One of my proudest moments finally came when I was able to cast my ballot in the 2024 presidential election. I felt as if I were honoring my parents’ journey by using my voice in such a vital moment in our country. Unfortunately, in recent presidential elections, about one in three eligible U.S. voters did not vote. Even worse, in midterm elections, roughly over half of eligible voters stay home. When we don’t vote, we are silencing our own voices.
This past September for National Voter Registration Day, local community members alongside AAPI Coming Together held a sign making session in the Orlando Mills 50 District and a peaceful “March on Mills” to let our community know that voting matters. As the November and midterm elections approach, I hope more people in the community feel empowered to participate and be the voice that others do not have. Indeed our vote, our voice, is one of the most powerful things one can possess.
Ngan Tran Orlando
Democrats need young leaders
Complaining about the dictatorial and authoritarian nature of the Trump administration is a proven losing strategy for Democratic candidates. The last election was a demonstration that this tactic does not work despite its seeming truthfulness. Trump won on promises that could not be kept, like lowering the cost of living among others which haven’t materialized.
Democrats need a younger, charismatic, new-generation leader who focuses on the opportunity of a better future for all Americans. The old guard of elected Democrats are more interested in keeping their own jobs rather than leading the way for more and better jobs for working Americans. Otherwise. the Republicans will continue their hold on power and increasingly dictate their vision of our country, with or without our constitutional democracy.
S.M. Feiner Orlando
You can submit a letter to the editor by sending it by email to insight@orlandosentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.
