The former guy used Christians to create "false witness" to his big lie

Echo opinion letter to the Editor of the Southern Illinoisan newspaper:

Many have said that the events of January 6, 2021, were a real threat to our democracy. Indeed, I agree, but, furthermore, I believe there were also many threats throughout our former (aka #TFG) president's tenure that presented an even greater threat. 

From the beginning, TFG used conservative Christians by advocating for issues he thought they would support. The apostle Paul listed in Galatians the fruits of the Spirit. They include love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Also, we are never to bear "false witness" (like "fake news"?). While I acknowledge that all of us fall short in these areas, they certainly do not describe any attributes exhibited by our former president.

Prior to the election, #TFG often warned us about the danger of fraud in the coming election. Following his defeat, he stated the election was stolen from him, even though there was no supporting evidence. Even Republican elected officials denied there was fraud. 

Moreover, his words were termed the "big lie." His whole term was characterized by many "little lies." For example, when he stood on the church steps holding up a Bible, even though his life does not demonstrate that he reads it or lives by it. These little lies are greater danger to our democracy.

I believe that Donald Trump knows that the "big lie" was indeed a lie and that many of his supporters know it as well. If so, they are seeking to make themselves great rather making our country great. 

A government based on lies is the greatest danger to our democracy!

From Neil Claussen, in Carbondale, Illinois