Loyal Opposition

To the editor:

Spare me the calls for unity.

Since Donald Trump entered presidential politics, Democrats have been insulted, called child molesters, accused of running child-trafficking operations, accused of killing babies in their cribs, called stupid and “low-IQ,” accused of being traitors to the country, told that they are the “enemy from within,” and a host of other lies. We have endured chants of “lock her up” referring to our presidential candidate. We have had our candidate (and elected President) called racist epithets and told that he was not even born in the United States (FYI, Hawaii is a state). All of these are just from the now President Elect himself.

And now President Elect Trump calls for unity. Unity cannot happen until there is genuine reconciliation. There must be a change in behavior among Trump and his allies. Repudiate the lies and the liars who tell them. Engage in honest debate without resorting to ad hominem attacks that do nothing to illuminate the issues of the day. Negotiate in good faith and recognize that compromise does not mean capitulation. End the demonization of immigrants. End the attacks on the rights of women, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups.

Yes, Democrats have said unkind things about Trump and other Republicans. It does not matter. Republicans won up and down the ballot. It is up to them to prove the Democrats’ claims wrong. If Republicans do not want to be called “fascists,” then don’t do fascist things. If they do not like being called “racist,” then stop promoting white supremacists.

Despite a painful loss in the recent election, Democrats will remain the loyal opposition. Only Republicans, and President Elect Trump in particular, can create the conditions that inspire unity. For the sake of our nation, I hope they are up to the challenge.

David M. DeLuca La Grange