We are being assaulted daily by extraordinary actions and events. Likewise, our political conversations are infused with a barrage of ill-defined labels, loud vulgar language and distortion of facts. We are asked to disbelieve what we have seen with our own eyes.
Perhaps a better approach to understand the trajectory of our current leaders is to let the actions fit the labels. The mindset of the president is that only his own morality and mind are necessary for action. International norms and treaties are ignored. NATO is threatened. Nothing short of complete surrender is considered acceptable. Our most stalwart allies are alienated. Are we entering a new era of imperialism?
We see uninvited federal agencies deployed that disrupt local communities, inciting violence, with dubious, unverified results. All “others” become the enemy. Americans pitted against Americans. Power is vested in a small group in the executive branch while the legislative branch is abdicating its constitutional duties. Might makes right. Even a modest, broadly bipartisan bill to provide clean drinking water for eastern Coloradans was vetoed by the president, likely over a personal disagreement with a member of his own party. Is this America First?
The examples of authoritarian leadership are rampant with no guardrails or accountability. I fear for my country. Fascist may seem like a harsh label unless the definition fits. My mother lived for over four years during World War II under the repressive, brutal fascist occupation of her homeland, Belgium. Current actions fit the definition.
Myriam Palmer
Durango
