For many, Governor Baker’s recent condemnation of President Trump came late (“At last, Governor Baker takes on Trump,” Opinion, June 4). Clearly, over the last three years, the governor has intentionally chosen to stay on the sidelines, and not confront Trump’s racism, hate, and incompetence. I suspect that Baker has wished that his essentially neutral posture would be interpreted as disapproval of the president while keeping him out of controversy and trouble.
But of everything Joan Vennochi says in her column, Baker should first and foremost remember this: “When the Trump era ends, people will ask: Did you speak out?”
While Baker deserves commendation for raising his voice to the president’s latest outrages, by itself it is not enough. He must not stop here. The governor has a platform few of us have, and, as a Republican, he has an obligation no Democrat has. He must be heard taking a stand, even if it pains him personally and damages his standing in his misguided party.
A clear opportunity is within Baker’s grasp to take a strong stand that will be remembered long after his career is over. He should endorse Joe Biden for president, the only action that will make clear to constituents, voters, friends, and family that Baker stands for principles. In an election year, only this action will show forcefully and forever that, although he is a Republican, he clearly and unequivocally rejects the racism and hate that Trump has projected and is not part of the sordid mess into which Donald Trump has converted the Republican Party.
Marc Springer
Brookline
Note from KBJ: Joe Biden is a senile imbecile. Good luck, Democrats!
