What is an autocracy? It is a government ruled by one person. The U.S. is not an autocracy. The U.S. is a democracy.

A democracy is government of the people, with separation of power between coequal branches. In the U.S. those branches are executive (president), legislative (Congress) and judicial (Supreme Court), as created by our Constitution. Key elements of a democracy are fair elections, respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression and protection of civil and human rights.

Former President Donald Trump is for autocracy, not for democracy. Listen to his words and look at his actions. He does not respect the outcome of elections, unless he wins them. He does not respect the rule of law or the court system. He does not respect a free press.

He praises and likens himself to autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia, Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Xi Jinping of China. He demonizes and dehumanizes his opponents, calling them vermin. Whatever he thinks is wrong in our country, he says only he alone can fix it. Along with many other of his words and actions, this is Autocracy 101.

Trump is telling us exactly who he is and what he will do. We must believe him. If Trump becomes president again, he will turn our nation into an autocracy. We will no longer be a democracy. We must not let this happen. Plan to vote for democracy in 2024. And tell a friend.

ERIC HALPERIN

Gearhart