No, this isn't Salem

Mitchell Royel is a political analyst and conservative commentator focused on emerging trends in American political discourse.

Dear Democrats,

No, this isn't Salem, and you don't get to call someone a witch because they're more skilled than you or because you don't like them.

We live in a capitalist country—a system that demands competition, rewards merit, and recognizes individual achievement. Yet increasingly, I witness a disturbing pattern where success becomes suspect, where excellence is treated as evidence of wrongdoing, and where talent is viewed through the lens of suspicion rather than celebration.

Personal responsibility isn't a political ideology; it's the fundamental cornerstone of individual empowerment and societal progress. When someone outperforms expectations, when they achieve what others cannot, the immediate response shouldn't be to search for nefarious explanations or to diminish their accomplishments through character assassination.

The Salem witch trials represent one of history's darkest chapters—a time when fear, jealousy, and mob mentality replaced reason and justice. Accusations flew not because evidence existed, but because success, difference, or simple dislike became grounds for destruction. Sound familiar?

Meritocracy isn't a system of oppression—it's the most equitable framework for recognizing individual talent and potential. In a truly competitive marketplace of ideas and abilities, the best solutions rise to the top, the most capable individuals advance, and society benefits from the collective pursuit of excellence.

This principle applies equally to conservatives who face similar treatment. Intellectual courage isn't about agreeing—it's about challenging prevailing narratives with nuanced, principled discourse. When political differences become grounds for personal destruction, when ideological disagreement transforms into character assassination, we abandon the very democratic principles that make meaningful debate possible.

Economic inequality represents a complex challenge that requires serious examination—not simplistic scapegoating. True progress emerges from individual initiative and unwavering self-belief, not from tearing down those who have succeeded. The solution to economic disparity isn't the systematic destruction of achievement, but the expansion of opportunity for all Americans to compete on equal footing.

Empowerment isn't granted; it's seized. The most dangerous form of oppression isn't external constraint—it's the internalized belief that success must come at someone else's expense, that achievement is inherently suspicious, and that excellence requires explanation rather than celebration.

America represents an unprecedented opportunity—a concept seemingly lost on those perpetually searching for reasons to criticize our nation's foundations. In this country, talent can emerge from any background, brilliance knows no demographic boundaries, and success remains available to those willing to pursue it with disciplined action and unwavering commitment.

The narrative is changing, and some people aren't ready for it. A growing contingent refuses to be silenced, recognizing that intellectual diversity represents the true essence of democratic discourse. We reject the notion that political disagreement justifies personal destruction, that success requires apology, or that achievement demands explanation.

Victimhood is a choice. Success is a decision made daily through disciplined action and unwavering commitment. When we abandon the witch trial mentality—when we stop searching for reasons to destroy those who excel—we create space for genuine progress and meaningful competition.

Competition isn't oppression—it's liberation. It's the mechanism through which talent rises, innovation flourishes, and society advances. In a truly competitive environment, the best ideas win, the most capable individuals succeed, and everyone benefits from the pursuit of excellence.

To my fellow Americans—regardless of political affiliation—intellectual courage is our most potent weapon. Stay informed. Stay principled. And never compromise your convictions for momentary social acceptance.

Freedom requires vigilance—vigilance against the mob mentality that seeks to destroy rather than compete, that chooses character assassination over intellectual engagement, and that mistakes envy for justice.

We live in a capitalist country. Compete accordingly.

Sincerely, A Fellow American Who Refuses to Apologize