An L.A. Times reader argues that aspiring politicians must actively work to stop Donald Trump.
The letter criticizes Congress and the Supreme Court for inaction despite Trump's 'out of control' behavior.
The author uses the metaphor 'circling the drain' to describe a perceived national crisis.
The appeal frames opposition to Trump as a fundamental test for future political leaders.
📖 Full Retelling
A Los Angeles Times reader published a letter in the newspaper's opinion section, arguing that any individual with political ambitions has a duty to actively oppose former President Donald Trump. The letter, appearing in the widely-read publication, contends that while Trump's behavior is widely recognized as destabilizing, key institutions like Congress and the Supreme Court are failing to act, creating a national crisis that demands intervention from aspiring leaders. This public appeal frames the 2024 political landscape as a critical test of civic responsibility for future office-seekers.
The core of the argument rests on a perceived institutional failure. The reader explicitly criticizes both the legislative and judicial branches for their passive stance, using the vivid metaphor of 'circling the drain' to describe the nation's trajectory. This suggests a deep concern that checks and balances are not functioning, allowing what the author sees as Trump's 'out of control' conduct to proceed unchecked. The letter positions this inaction not merely as a political disagreement but as an abdication of constitutional duty, elevating the stakes for anyone considering a future in public service.
By directly addressing 'anyone with political aspirations,' the appeal makes a strategic call to action. It implies that ambition alone is insufficient and must be coupled with a willingness to confront what the author views as an existential threat to democratic norms. This transforms a standard opinion piece into a challenge aimed at the next generation of politicians, suggesting that their legacy and fitness for office will be judged by their stance in this moment. The publication in a major newspaper like the L.A. Times amplifies this message, giving a citizen's perspective a platform to influence the broader political discourse during a volatile election cycle.
🏷️ Themes
Political Accountability, Institutional Failure, Civic Duty
In most legal jurisdictions, a supreme court, also known as a court of last resort, apex court, high (or final) court of appeal, and court of final appeal, is the highest court within the hierarchy of courts. Broadly speaking, the decisions of a supreme court are binding on all other courts in a nat...
A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of adversaries) during battle, from the Latin congressus.
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
Born into a wealthy New York City family, Trump graduated from the...
'Everyone knows President Trump is out of control, and yet Congress and the Supreme Court sit back and watch as we circle the drain,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
