This mid-term election is extremely important. It’s our opportunity to influence our local, state and national representation and our opportunity to elect strong, progressive leaders not afraid to stand up to an authoritarian president and his extreme right wing agenda.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that this agenda is no longer acceptable to voters all across this country. The recent demonization of the Central American caravan by Trump and his minions is a prime example. It is essential for people not to be fooled by the inflammatory rhetoric and outright lies.

The allegation that the caravan includes “criminals and unknown Middle Easterners” is pure speculation without any evidence. In fact, internal U.S. documents make no mention of Middle Easterners, criminals or a terror threat. Calling the Honduran caravan a “threat to national security” is pure hyperbole.

Contending that the caravan is being funded by Soros, Democrats or other outside groups is without merit. Attempting to create the illusion that the migrants are coming here to vote Democratic is also preposterous.

First, they won’t be here until weeks after the mid-term. Second, migrants can’t vote without becoming U.S. citizens. This is a lengthy process and it is impossible that citizenship would be attainable any time before the 2024 election. Last, about 2,300 of the migrants are minors and are unlikely to attempt to vote, carry out terrorist activities or do other harm. They are fleeing a violent and impoverished environment.

The intent of the administration’s portrayal of this caravan as a threat is obviously to create fear and influence the outcome of the election. The creation of fear of an outside group is an old and despicable political tactic. It, and the faulty reasoning behind it, are also an insult to the intelligence of the American public.

Don’t be fooled.