To the Editor:

I arrived at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and parked along the Lake Sumter Landing square in front of the Villages Real Estate office. There were plenty of spots available and only a few people milling around before the Trump birthday golf cart parade. At precisely 1 p.m., the parade began with horns. It was led by a black, Secret Service-looking sedan flashing its lights. Following it were several pickup trucks festooned with Trump paraphernalia. It should be noted that these are not golf carts, so they can’t be included in their vehicle total. And there was certainly no big crowd of cheering people to welcome them.

The parade proceeded, slowed down by some guy running for lieutenant governor who stopped every cart to shake hands and/or pass out campaign flyers. It was very easy to make an accurate count due to the slowness of this parade. The entire thing lasted 20 minutes. The final count, which was confirmed by an organizer: 101 golf carts. And I also have photographic evidence of this.

Now, I know there were two other starting locations: Ezell Recreation Center and Fenney. Neither of these locations would ever challenge Lake Sumter in numbers, but for argument’s sake, let’s say they both had the same cart count. That makes the total a pitiful 303. This was advertised as a Guinness World Record challenge. The record was set on Sept. 4, 2005, here in The Villages with 3,321 golf carts.

It should be noted that each of the three “No Kings” protests here so far have grown exponentially. The latest had two locations with attendance close to 6,000. There is now a “Leaving MAGA” billboard here on U.S. Hwy. 441. The “Trump 47” website is down. The MAGA Club almost never holds any events. You almost never see a Trump flag flying anymore. He is using the office to line his pockets. Started a war which spiked gas prices along with everything else. Inflation and unemployment are rising. Aligned himself with murderous war criminals like Putin. He continues to protect pedophilia. This weekend he is desecrating the White House by holding a fighting match like Caligula being entertained by gladiators. The list of horrific things being done, especially in this administration, is endless. And he’s even lost former stalwarts like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson.

Yes, MAGA is dying in the country and even here. Florida is purple now again and turning bluer daily. So say hello to Gov. Jolly and Sen. Vindman!

Casey Marr
Village of Pine Ridge