This is in response to Steve Morical’s missive “Leftists hurt themselves” (Feb. 2, Our readers’ views). A fundamental principle of governance is that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Donald Trump, who lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, clearly does not have consent of the governed. Therefore, he is illegitimate.
The whole point of mass demonstrations against Trump — like any mass demonstration — is to call into question the legitimacy of the government. Thus, against Trump not only are such demonstrations justified, they’re obligatory for anyone supporting freedom and democracy.
Morical can complain and insult all he wants, but until Trump and his cronies are out of power, he should expect people to continue to call for freedom and democracy in the United States through demonstrations and protests.
