Donald Trump has fawned over evil, authoritarian world leaders time after time. Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly revealed that Trump even praised Hitler for his control of Nazi officers. It’s particularly ironic that the man whose slogan is “America First” would laud someone with whom America had to wage war.
Trump’s past fawning was repeated with Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s corrupt, autocratic prime minister – a leader who said his country didn’t want “peoples of mixed race.” Trump, not caring about Orbán’s racism, stated, “There’s nobody that’s better, smarter or a better leader than Viktor Orbán.” The man President Joe Biden told a crowd in Philadelphia had “stated flatly he doesn’t think democracy works, he’s looking toward dictatorship.”
Ah, but Orbán has written the step-by-step book for Trump: “How to Become the First U.S. Dictator.” First, convince people you would do anything for them, so your party wins complete control of Parliament or our Congress. Second, pass laws that allow throwing out sitting judges to replace them with loyalists – competent or not (just like Trump’s Supreme Court). Third, pass laws that forbid any criticism of the government; then jail or expel journalists who try to convey inconvenient truths about the government. Fourth, imprison or punish political opponents – which Trump has already repeatedly threatened to do. Fifth, then wallow in becoming richer and richer while your country slides into demise. Yes, Orbán’s smart. But villainous. How can anyone vote for Trump, Orbán’s disciple?
Connie S. Durand
Durango
