Trump and dictators: Letters to the editor, July 15, 2020
Guard against would-be dictators
Looking at the Germany of the ’30s we ask ourselves: How is it possible that so many solidly middle-class members of one of the most advanced European countries were able to remain willfully blind to what was taking place in front of them? We need only to look at us now to see the blindness of many Americans to what they’ve done in electing a would-be dictator, and may do it again.
If we do, who will be left to deny that the resentment and racism of our having previously elected a mixed-race man for our leader have not fueled Trump and the Trumpites? This deeply racist nation has always been ready to believe that they, the dark-skinned masses, are always looking for the chance to take over, and that therefore they must be kept down.
Thus, the success of Trump’s obsession with immigration and its unholy alliance with our deep, ancient belief in white supremacy. This toxic stem has penetrated the many cells of many of our minds to the degree we harbor them unconsciously. It only takes a critical mass of unconsciousness and the blindness it engenders to make the success of yet another mad tyrant possible.
The usual enemies of democracy are well-established here. They are the upward consolidation of wealth, the economic and political pressure in the press, the sowing of doubt and suspicion of free institutions, the militarization and politicization of the police, the increasing marginalization of the marginalized, the aggressive suppression of competing ideologies, etc.
Recognizing their formidable presence here and now is the first step to safeguard ourselves against them and the infiltration of autocrats and their aspirations to total power, the Trumpites’ dream of all would-be dictators.
Stanley Poss, Fresno
Moderates needed to save America
Is this the America our founders envisioned in 1776? An America whose leader fires the people he hired to run the government on a regular basis and blames all the nation’s problems on them. An America whose opposition party is advocating doing away with law enforcement in our major cities because one police officer used bad judgment leading to the death of a fellow citizen. An America where Republican senators are calling for members of their chamber to stop wearing face masks because there is no threat to their health. An America where the Democrats in California believe that all illegal aliens should receive all the rights of American citizens, including free education through college for illegal alien children, free medical, help with housing, and protection from being deported by federal law enforcement.
Our two parties have allowed the extremists in our land to run freely, destroying the symbols of our country’s past, and burning down its infrastructure. Anarchists, communists, right-wing militias and radical religious groups tear down statues, burn down cities, blow up federal buildings and attack doctors and nurses at abortion clinics.
Is this the American way? Wake up, America’s moderates, and take back our two parties from the radicals. We need a Teddy Roosevelt or Harry Truman to step forward and make a difference before its too late!
Larry L. Murphy, Clovis
Just do it: Wear a face mask
You may not be aware of the fact that new COVID-19 cases in Fresno County are sharply rising. My message is concerning face masks. Wearing face masks is proven to slow the spread of the virus, yet some continue to refuse this small act of compliance.
It’s not about you as an individual, it’s about us, the community. Personal liberty has always had limits. We know this. Face masks should not send a political message, but simply a message that you care about people.
Consider a few advantages. Women need not bother with make up. Greeting people with a nod or a wave is sufficient. Seriously, we are in a worldwide pandemic that is not going away soon. This small sacrifice is being asked of everyone. So just do it. Please.
Glena Penner, Reedley
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Trump and dictators: Letters to the editor, July 15, 2020."