So, Donald Trump had something against M’s: first Mexicans, then Muslims, but in fact it has always been minorities in general. Trump’s three M’s of hate. And now Trump is on record inferring that the silencing of journalists, Putin style, is tolerable. Waterboarding and other forms of torture are among policies that he also has advocated. Clearly, Trump is a fascist in every sense of the word, and it should be scaring the hell out of everyone.
If, as a Republican, you have not spoken out against these policy proposals, then you are guilty of allowing your party to become a tool for fascist change. In fact, every American should be speaking out against the myopic and clearly unconstitutional ideas some Republican presidential candidates keep repeating. Every citizen should be alarmed that there are presidential candidates running on platforms of prejudice and hate and are succeeding in garnering support from large segments of not just the Republican Party, but a seemingly large portion of ignorant political neophytes. Any citizen who has even the slightest doubt about Trump or any candidate who would rather divide us from one another as opposed to uniting us, should be exercising rights of free speech and speaking out against the politics of hate and division.
History is replete with examples of how hate and division have been used to acquire and cement political power. It is sad knowing the United States has always had some people who think nothing of employing such tactics. Citizens United has unleashed those elements in spades, and now they are using vast sums of money in their quest to exclude political power rightfully belonging to the people. A fascist oligarchy is not just a possibility but fast becoming the reality.
There is only one way to avoid that conclusion: Register to vote and cast a ballot in every election possible and be informed about what and whom you are voting for. Hate and division have little chance against educated people. It is clear that the upcoming election will have profound consequences on the next generation.
David Black
Bayfield
