I am writing in order to urge anyone who cares about the health of America’s democracy (which should be everyone) to read, or re-read, “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” by William L. Shirer; at least the first two sections of the book, which describe the rise of Hitler and the Nazis.The frightening events of those dark days in Germany are eerily reflected in our own times. The hate speech; the violence and intimidation; the disruption and discrediting of the political, economic, judicial and law enforcement institutions; the sanitation and spinning of historical fact; the lies and misinformation; the book banning. Those who feel that this comparison is overstated risk repeating the errors of the German people who enabled the Nazis’ rise through inaction and self-interest.The most important action we can take as citizens to prevent America from repeating the errors of Germany is to become engaged in the political process. Regardless of your feelings about the eventual Democratic presidential nominee, we must all pledge to vote against the possibility of another Trump administration. Please take this threat to democracy seriously, before we allow it to rise to a level that we can’t easily dislodge.
Bob McKillop
Portland
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