Dictatorships are autocratic governments holding all power with few limitations.

Donald Trump could become America’s first dictator. He admires and praises dictators and authoritarian leaders like Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte, who praises Hitler, jokes about raping women, kills journalist and drug users.

China’s authoritarian president Xi Jinping abolished term limits. Political opposition is suppressed, dissent and civil rights curtailed, and religion state-controlled. He claims they’re fighting ethnic separatism, religious extremism, and violent terrorism.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is a cruel totalitarian regime leader. The people suffer from malnutrition, forced labor and human rights abuse. Government priorities are political, and military, fear and distrust are used to control the people.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin is Trump’s favorite. Russia has never been America’s friend. America needs a president who’ll stand up against these strongmen, not get into bed with them.

What kind of dictator would Trump become? Another Trump presidency is dangerous for democracy.

Deanne Danforth, Wilton