Donald Trump recently warned Americans that communism is now a great threat to our democracy, and old tactic which has a long history in this country. The “Red Scare” is a tactic used in the past. Post-WWI, such a scare was highlighted by the Palmer raids.
The names Sacco and Vanzetti are also attached to our history at this time. In the 1950s, Republican Senator Joe McCarthy led a committee on the search for “reds” in the government as he made mockery of the Constitution.
I hope the voters know today that by far the greatest threat to our democracy is Donald Trump. His multifaceted attacks on the rules of justice may be the most dangerous. His attacks on the courts are certainly high on the list of his threats.
It has always been perfectly acceptable to criticize rulings by the courts, but Trump directs vicious and unfounded attacks on the courts and judges, threatening not only our Constitution but the lives of judges and their families. The son of one federal judge has already been murdered. I hope that Jeanine Pirro has good protection from the federal marshals.
Who knows what some deranged Trump supporter will do. Federal courts are essential to the rule of law and, henceforth, our democracy.
If judges are having to worry about threats to their safety daily, it makes their job far more difficult. We hope their judicial judgements are not negatively influenced. Will our judicial system be weakened if good judges no longer stay on the bench?
Why should these dedicated public servants have to live in fear? Why aren’t the members of Trump’s party in Congress and in the Cabinet speaking out in defense of the courts?
Defending the freedom of the courts to act as they interpret the law is far more important than any single ruling. Why don’t they speak out? Fear that they may lose their coveted seat in Congress?
They have demonstrated far more concern for their well-being than for the country’s.
This fall’s Congressional elections give each voter a chance to defend the rule of law in this country. We need a viable congressional branch of government that will stand up and defend the judicial branch of government from attacks leveled by Trump and his allies.
Tell officeholders like U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson that we no longer want the weak, spineless leaders like him. We need Representatives in Congress who will act in a fully functional House of Representatives. We don’t want one that gets down on its knees to Donald Trump.
Jack D. Miller
Lewisburg
This letter to the editor appeared in The Daily Item on August 21, 2026.