Alex Landi, Redding

It seems to be open season on the candidacy of Donald Trump. Various interests on both the right and left are after his political scalp. Many in the media are condemning him as well. He even gets attacked by governments in other countries. Can he be that bad? What's going on?

Despite all this, he keeps winning. The constant attacks by special interests have only served to increase his support. As long as Republican voters choose to support him, the attacks will have little effect. He has a large lead in delegates and could win the nomination outright. It seems the voters are getting uppity and are in the mood for change.

It is no secret that most Americans are very unhappy with the performance of Washington politicians in both parties. They feel the country is in decline. There is even a touch of rebellion in the air on the Democrat side, as witnessed by the candidacy of the socialist Bernie Sanders. But it is on the right where the real fireworks are happening. Why are GOP voters so unhappy with the so-called establishment?

Conservatives feel let down and even betrayed by the Republican politicians they put in control of congress. Their complaints are numerous and very real. None of this is happening in a vacuum. Voters have concluded that their chosen leaders have become too complacent and ineffective. They are perceived to be interested only in themselves and in keeping all the perks of power. Neither party seems to be putting the country first anymore. Maybe it is time to hit the reset button. A little revolution every now and then may very well be a good thing.

Disaffected Republican voters have chosen Trump to be the point man for their rebellion. To them, he seems to "get it" on a range of issues. His lack of political experience and refinement does not seem to disqualify him at a time when voters are looking for a driving force that will shake things up. The GOP establishment brought this on themselves. Trump is their creation. Rank and file voters see Trump as the antidote for establishment failure.

This is all about apple carts. Trump is seen as a direct threat to all the self-serving and deeply entrenched special interests; in both parties, among the arrogant media, and by our enemies abroad, who favor continued American weakness. Illegal immigrants and those who benefit from mass trespassing — greedy employers, bought and paid-for Republican politicians, and the entire Democratic Party — are scared the The Donald might actually put the American people first for once. Can't have that!

GOP establishment figures are already in hot water with the voters who are the real party. Party leaders must be loyal to the members; not the other way around. If threatened insiders seek to undermine the candidate the voters have selected to reform the party, anger will turn to fury. It will be seen as a coup against democracy itself, engineered by those who don't want to relinquish power. This is serious stuff and may very well provoke the kinds of actions that Trump is accused of encouraging. Our politicians (the hired help) should tread lightly.

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