In response to Sarah Seaward’s letter (November 6) entitled ‘What if’, here’s my ‘What if,’ before I take a stiff drink.
Richard Jones commented that Trump could barely string two words together. That I would boldly claim is a statement of fact, if you are paying attention. Regarding Trump’s ‘flawless speech record’, I guess that’s because The Donald doesn’t need to read the teleprompter as he simply babbles, raves on about unrelated rubbish, repeats himself, accuses immigrants of eating people’s pets, has no respect for science or accuracy (remember he doubted the moon landing?) and continues to massage his ego in a performance ritual appealing to the deluded, the narcissists and millions of misogynists.
Furthermore, the latest appointment to the ‘Environment Protection Agency’ (soon to become the Destruction Agency) is Lee Zelchin, a climate denier like his belligerent boss, who also does not support the Paris Climate Agreement – and what a surprise that is. Maybe that department will be renamed the ‘Drill Baby Drill’ Agency?
The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act has pumped $1 trillion dollars into a new clean energy program, much of the money going to Republication states. Do ya think The Donald would be so generous? The global energy transition to renewables is inevitable economically and is gathering pace across our ailing planet, except not in the authoritarian regime once known as the USA.
In relation to Bobby Kennedy Jnr, his dear dad must be turning over in his grave. The Kennedy family have already put out a statement opposing Bobby’s shameful betrayal by moving to the right of politics. Referring to your question, Ms Seaward, why did so many vote for Trump, the man you are defending as a convicted rapist and felon with more court cases pending (but no longer). I have some ideas and I am one of few that thought Trump’s mad paranoia would convince millions.
The simple answer is, most people don’t listen to independent media in the US (approximately three per cent) and the rest get their ‘news’ from Fox Media/the Murdoch press /Trump’s podcasts and social media. These services have lied to the gullible and those that have no respect for facts. However, here’s the kicker… Trump appealed to those concerned with their own self-interest, but Kamala appealed to those more concerned for others and their communities, attempting to stop division. The Donald meant, ‘I am your retribution’ when he said it.
In relation to your final statement seeking responsible and ‘ethical’ journalism, you’re joking RIGHT?
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
