Where has the American democracy we grew up in and believed in gone? What happened to those powerful words written in the preamble of the Constitution?

Why is it OK for Republicans to manufacture and sell T-shirts using “86 Obama” or “86 Biden,” but a potential crime if someone like former FBI Director James Comey uses it concerning President Trump?

Has Homeland Security Secretary Noem described those as a “threat” and a call to assassinate Obama and Biden? Has Director of National Intelligence Gabbard called for Jeff Bezos to be thrown in jail? Has the Secret Service interviewed Bezos for selling those T-shirts, which can be bought on Amazon, Etsy and eBay?

Are those people on eBay selling “86 Obama” or Biden T-shirts being interviewed by the Secret Service? Has FBI Director Patel said he would “provide all necessary support” as part of investigating those selling T-shirts on eBay? No, of course not, because this is all about retribution and intimidation. It is a powerful tool used to muzzle protestors and destroy our constitutional rights.

Judges who have ruled against Trump are being threatened. Trump has reposted on his Truth Social that violent criminals should be housed near Supreme Court justices and have day releases.

We must refuse to be intimidated and have our First Amendment rights taken from us.

Mike Grove
Belgrade Lakes