To the Editor:

A neighbor recently wrote a letter to the editor asking “What freedoms have we lost?” regarding the profoundly impactful “No Kings” protests across the country.

It’s as though this question was asked in a vacuum, without memory of past or present actions.

First, let's remember Donald Trump’s attempted coup d’etat on Jan. 6, 2021. That was an attack on our freedoms and our democracy.

Next, let’s consider Trump’s talk of a third term. It’s unconstitutional, but that doesn’t stop him from bringing it up.

And it is worth noting that many of Trump’s unilateral actions have been ruled unconstitutional as well. Our president has made it quite clear that he has little regard for our founding document and doesn’t seem to understand that everyone in his administration, including him, is required to take an oath to uphold our Constitution.

You might recall that Trump did not put his hand on the Bible during his second swearing in. This was no accident, and quite simply, he believes himself to be above the law.

Third, there are efforts afoot to amend election laws and change rules to benefit Republicans. This impacts our freedoms as elections have consequences and the Republicans are trying to rig the game in their favor. After all, as Republican New York State Assemblyman Scott Bendett once told me, “Politics is just a game.”

So, to my neighbor whose life is likely unaltered in any noticeable way since Trump regained the presidency, I would say that our rights are under attack. And if you choose to pretend none of it is real, then maybe you'll see the truth when it impacts you —

And then, it will be too late.

Wake up, Neighbor!

Aaron Corman

Voorheesville

Editor’s note: Assemblymen Bendett confirmed he had said to Corman, “Politics is a game and to the victor goes the spoils,” adding that the sentiment is over a century old.