Yes, I am frightened. I am frightened whether Trump wins, or perhaps more frightened if he loses. Frightened for myself, but even more for our nation. The unbridled nationalism that has created our civil rift will never adhere itself to our U.S. Constitution. Trump and his most passionate followers (e.g. Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, White Nationalists, Christian Nationalists), do not care at all about democracy, except perhaps to enforce the lie that their autocracy was democratically elected.

These idealogues just want to “fix” whatever they see that doesn’t fit their own idea of “American,” regardless of the civil liberties our Constitution guarantees to the vast majority of Americans whose lives and beliefs do not submit to theirs. Jan. 6, 2021, was simply the beginning for Trump and his forces, whether or not he is elected again. Yes, I am frightened.

Scott Lounsbury

Wolfeboro