Opinion : Letter to the Editor: A cult tragedy in the making

Dear Editor, 
Before anyone starts screaming and running for their laptops, I need to remind you once again that I am a fairly new Republican, and I can't wait to plaster my home and lawn with Ron DeSantis flags and stickers.  The following opinions and ideas are mine...All mine.
As most of you have been bombarded both on television and online and in conversations with the Donald Trump saga, I have been mulling over things I've viewed, heard, and read.  DC got me thinking about some Cult leaders and their power and control over others who have some weaknesses as a flaw.  So, here goes...
Many people recall Jim Jones or at least the Jonestown Tragedy in November 1978.  Jones started out as a magnificent preacher.  Somewhere along the way, he turned into a political activist, dark and brooding.  He convinced his blinded followers that in Guyana they could build a paradise, free of restrictions and government interference.  IT WAS NOT!!  In fact, Jones's treatment became less than humane by humiliation and brainwashing and beatings.  The majority of his "faithful" signed over all their possessions.  In the end, fewer than 100 of the Temple members survived the Kool Aid massacre.
Another example of a cult leader is David Koresh who brought about the Waco Tragedy in 1993.  He was a religious fanatic who believed that he existed to fulfill his destiny.  His followers were led to believe that God communicated through him.  Each and every one of Koresh's followers was blinded by their loyalty to him.  When outsiders gave them chance after chance to leave the compound, they refused.  In the resulting chaos, they were either shot or burned to death.
Americans are facing a growing number of serious problems in this country.  One of the biggest is that of the upcoming election in 2024.  This will affect each one of us...no matter our race, sex, or age.  In our Vinton Today opinions, we have bared our political allegiances to one party or another and the various candidates.  You can talk to friends and family, and you can read and listen to facts and figures about who to support.  But, at some point, you must do some "singular thinking" about what is best for you!
President Joe Biden, who is 81, is the oldest person to serve as president.  He has indicated that he will run for a second term in 2024.  Is this realistic...honestly?  It is clear that he is slipping.  He shuffles when he walks; he quite often falls ascending the steps to Air Force One, and the First Lady supports him as they are walking.  Confusion is a frequent facial expression.  I am not trying to be unkind but merely stating the truth.
One of Biden's biggest failures has been the border crisis, and the 5 million illegal immigrants our country has had to absorb.  The real crisis is brewing for the future as to how we must deal with them.  What the President will do about the US Debt Ceiling remains to be seen.  Some of his projected ideas for spending seem either unnecessary or outdated or will never be agreed upon by the Republicans or even some Democrats.  His wild  visions of eliminating certain light bulbs. gas lawn mowers, gas stoves, and autos who use gas will only affect the poor segments of the population.  For example, data shows that 100% of the wealthy use the LED bulbs that Biden wants while only 38% of the households with incomes $20,000 and under use them.  Some Americans can't even afford a car.  Hasn't the Democratic Party always aligned itself proudly with the working class?  That seems a rather obsolete statement these days.
Biden is vulnerable because of continual questions about the economy and the lack of intensity with the Democratic base.  Fellow Democrats are doing a lot of analyzing and whispering behind their President's back.  Are Biden's loyal supporters blinded by being Democrats or by the Biden they still see who served under Barack O'bama?
The only "announced" candidate for the Republicans with any strength is Donald Trump.  Unfortunately, he is standing at the White House Train Station with too much baggage.  Hu has just been indicted for 34 felony charges in New York, political as they may be.  But these are the tip of the iceberg.  Heading his way are the events of the January 6 riot, the White House classified papers, and his efforts to tamper with the Georgia election results.  Trump attracts chaos and controversy like a magnet.  Questions abound:  Will this sink the Trump ship?  Is Trump what the country needs at this crucial time in America?  Some experts think that he will have a fight on his hands to get the Republican nomination again.
However, at this time, Trump still has a stronghold with a significant portion of the GOP base.  [One has to wonder though if this "support" is just to save their own necks IF he gets the big job again.]  Trump has shown he can raise money, and he was president once.  A professor at NYU said about Donald Trump, "He is an Authoritarian, and they can't leave office.  They don't have happy endings."  She believes that at the elite level, the political system was shaped by Trump, and every day we see his legacy.  Furthermore, January 6, the "Big Lie" maintained Trump's personality cult verses seeing him as just another president who was voted out of office.  Donald Trump has never left office and closed the door.  
Trump has amassed many problems from the 10 year old boy with the 14K gold spoon in his mouth.  He could NOT stand losing!  Right now he is in limbo.  Like a pit bull, he has to hold the party tightly so no rival can emerge. The NYU professor [NOT ME] said that Trump could not stand to be eclipsed by a younger version of himself.  And that is DeSantis.  I think deep down that Trump realizes Ron DeSantis can beat him!
Earlier I stated that I had viewed some events that made me think.  I watched the flags and signs in New York yesterday.  Something jumped out at me.  TRUMP WON!!  TRUMP WON 2020!!  Those days are over with.  Regardless of what did or didn't happen, that's history.  We need to move forward!!  The election of 2024 is on the horizon.  All of us have an obligation to both ourselves and this country to elect  a strong president.  Really SEE who you support.  Watch out!!  We can't remain cult followers, or we may have a national tragedy!!
Peggy Kelley