To the editor:

I noted with interest a recent letter by Bill Skepnek, who is a law school classmate of mine (new Green Hall, Class of ’78). In it, he lamented Trump’s victory and spoke of how he has withdrawn from the media. Our Jewish friends would say he is sitting shiva for our country. While I share his feelings, I think a different response is in order.

For the first 80 years of America’s existence, it was cursed by the disease of slavery. While in the 1850s it seemed slavery had triumphed, eventually it was defeated, at least in name. For the past nine years, America has been cursed by the disease of Trumpism, in which lies and hate speech are preferred to truth, division over unity, and character is of no consequence. Now when it seemingly has triumphed is no time to retire to the sidelines.

Why? Because the promises/lies of Trump are not sustainable, whether on the economy, the border, taxes or the world at large. Now that he has the Senate, the House and the Supreme Court, he is responsible for results, results which he cannot deliver. Do not despair when he appoints flunkies and stooges to his Cabinet — he doesn’t want capable people who will stand up to him. They will fail, as will he.

Now is the time to plan for 2026 — take back the House! Join the ACLU! Stay active! Support Trump’s victims! Only if we quit is defeat guaranteed!

Jeff Southard,

Lawrence