Dear Mr. Trump:

You may not be aware of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, but please be advised: it provides freedom of speech to all Americans, not just those who praise and flatter you.

I know this is impossible for your megalomaniac and malignant narcissistic brain to comprehend, but it’s true, Sir. Preservation of the right to speak freely is most important – indeed, critical for the survival of our democracy – when it pertains to political issues such as the fitness – or, in your case, the lack of fitness – of a person to be president.

Therefore, when you punish people like Mr. John Brennan and others for speaking their minds critically about you, you violate the very Constitution that you swore to uphold. Obviously, an oath means nothing to you.

Mr. Brennan has been an honest and devoted public servant for his entire career, serving the CIA under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He spoke the truth when he called your behavior with Putin treasonous, but, even if he was in error, he has a right to express his opinion without being penalized by you.

Only the vilest of despots punish their critics. It’s a short step from what you’re doing now to shutting down newspapers you don’t like, imprisoning the reporters and others who speak critically of you, and, finally, sending your “Second Amendment people” after them. Hitler and Stalin did it, your friend Kim Jun Un is doing it, and you’re heading that way unless a responsible Congress can stop you.

Very truly yours,

Bruce J. Berger