Some say that the 2020 election is more important than any in recent history. That is true, and not only because we are choosing between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden. We are also choosing between those who are willing to speak up when the basic values of American democracy are threatened and those who will not.

It is alarming that so few of our Republican officials have acknowledged that the actions of President Trump are dangerously outside the norms of American democracy. By remaining silent they are enabling the president as he distorts the truth, selfishly misuses the power of government, and undermines the rule of law. By remaining silent, they endorse the shocking actions revealed by the Mueller Report, the diplomatic improprieties uncovered in the impeachment hearings, and the gross negligence involving global warming and the COVID-19 outbreak.

The founding fathers expected that elected officials at all levels would point out abuses of power. The people need to be alerted when actions are not consistent with American democratic traditions.

Ledyard voters can count on U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, state Sen. Cathy Osten, probate judge candidate Beth Leamon, state Rep. Chris Conley, and 42nd District House candidate Matt Geren to speak up when our democracy is threatened. Those candidates should be elected.

David Holdridge

Ledyard