Supporters of Donald Trump can rally behind the meaningless phrase of “make America great again” and they can maintain their grievances, applauding all the antics and comedy routines posing as campaign rallies, but the ultimate outcome will be a further erosion of all those programs and protections created and legislated for their benefit.

Probably the most difficult aspect of understanding the enduring Trump support is the sheer hypocrisy of his pronouncements, the blatant destructiveness of democratic institutions he is proposing, and the utter diminishment of his supporters’ best interests.

As written by Frida Ghitis, “It’s a choice between an accelerated dismantling of America’s democracy or a return to America’s centuries-long struggle to become a more perfect union — a nation that more faithfully reflects its founding ideals of democracy and equality.”

If the concepts of equality, justice and freedom do not motivate their votes, then let them consider the real possibility of the reduction or elimination of Social Security payments, the re-imposition of pre-existing conditions for medical coverage, unbridled medical and pharmaceutical costs, frozen wages, continuation of the crumbling infrastructure, complete alienation from our allies, endless tariff wars, a further deterioration of our environment, and most importantly, making a mockery of voting rights.

If Trump’s supporters allow themselves the opportunity to look beyond their grievances and seriously consider their present circumstances and contemplate the indefinite future, perhaps they might realize that voting for Kamala Harris and Democratic nominees is truly in their best interest.

Betty Ussach-Schwartz

Southampton