The choices weren’t great: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. I voted for Harris. I wish the Democrats had selected a more qualified candidate. But I also wish the Republicans had chosen anyone but Trump to have given me a better option.

One year later, President Donald Trump’s administration has shaken the core of our democracy in ways no one could have imagined. Aside from closing the border, a necessary policy change, he has instituted no other programs or policies beneficial to the U.S. populace. He caused the detention and deportation of legal immigrants while proclaiming to remove only those who pose a danger or are here illegally.

His DOGE initiative upended federal programs and departments without significant monetary savings. His new tariffs on imported goods increased the prices of consumer products. He blocked approved energy projects which would lead to less dependency on fossil fuels, while promoting the bygone coal industry. He revised EPA guidelines that will weaken air and water quality standards. He, contrary to his campaign promise to avoid global governance, carried out a military operation in Venezuela and threatens intervention in Iran, Colombia, Cuba and Greenland. 

Voters should ask themselves, under Trump’s administration, are they better off financially today? Are they more content, carefree and untroubled? Do they feel the world is a safer place? Do they see a better future for their children and grandchildren? If they answer “no” to the above questions, then this is not what they voted for.

Fred Conti
Falmouth