To the editor:

For the past two weeks I have been watching the Republican and Democratic Conventions with rapt attention. It could not be clearer to me who should be the next president of the United States. The Republicans want us to choose the rhetoric of fear and bigotry. Seriously? Do they really believe we should cast our lot with a hate mongering, misogynist demagogue who has no clue about foreign policy? No! Americans deserve better than that! We must trust the future of our country to someone who is experienced, compassionate and who has spent her life working as a public servant, someone who has an established track record as a change maker. That leader, without a doubt, is Hillary Clinton.

When I hear the hate-filled, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican spewings of Donald Trump, I can’t help but be reminded of the famous poem written by Pastor Martin Niemoller (1892-1984) following the Nazis’ rise to power.

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.”

Trump supporters: Be careful what you wish for.

Michele G. Komito

Cape Coral