So, yesterday, I used a similar title to discuss the danger to your identity.  That you should protect yourself from unscrupulous tax preparation services.  Who care more about their revenue than they do about your protection.

Today, my warning is for us as Americans.  For us to serve as a shining beacon to other nations in this world. 

You know that statement (probably said by the philosopher-poet, George Santayana), “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it?”   I fear that our schools have not only failed to prepare our citizenry for college and vocation, but also to understand the basics of  history. Because, history is repeating.

I heard you just groan. No, I am not being melodramatic. But, because of my history, I may be more sensitive to the inkling and glimmers. Just like I have long recognized the ‘dog whistles’ that have been employed to prepare the way.

I wasn’t alive when Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini came to power. But, I know that these two thugs were elected to office. But, Hitler ensured his appointment to the top executive position, without ever obtaining a majority vote to do so. Mussolini used intimidation to arrange for the Acerbo Law, which afforded the party that received the most votes (despite failing to obtain a majority) would be granted 2/3 of the seats in Parliament.

Are you beginning to see the similarities? Having multiple candidates vying for the top office means one can be the leader of the pack, even if s/he is reviled by more than half the voters. And the name calling, the ridiculous lies and dirty tricks…they are the intimidation tactics of today. Not withstanding the refusal to allow opponents to attend events, having bodyguards rough up opponents and the media, among other highlights that defy our Constitution.

Still missing the analogies?

What happens if we consider another stellar example? Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela. No?  Not Yet?  How about Vladimir Putin of Russia? Or, Recap Erdogan of Turkey?

Donald Trump is of their ilk. Does he not believe that torture is acceptable? Yes, he has clearly stated so on multiple occasions. Like he did on 23 November 2015 in Columbus, Ohio: “Would I approve waterboarding? You bet your ass I would – in a heartbeat…And I would approve more than that. Don’t kid yourself, folks. It works, okay? It works. Only a stupid person would say it doesn’t work.”

Or, to destroy those of whom he does not approve? I don’t know how you can miss that conclusion, when he avers, “They better be careful, they have a lot to hide.” The dangerous folks? The Rickett family, you know the subversives who own the Chicago Cubs. He also “would like to punch him (a protester) in the face.”

Or, his promise to round up all 11 million (? It’s probably less) illegal immigrants and deport them. I know you think that is ludicrous, impossible, never going to happen. But, so did 6 million Jews who perished at Hitler’s request all over Europe. While ‘good’ Germans and Poles stood by and did nothing– like you can miss the smell of burning flesh. (Ask any samaritan who helped clean up or a neighbor of the World Trade Center after 9-11 how distinctive that aroma can be.)

Or, who takes days to admit that David Duke is an unwelcome supporter. Or that he really knows that the Ku Klux Klan stands for nothing that is acceptable in our society. (By the way, Mr. Rubio. If you feel qualified to serve as President, maybe you should learn it’s not the ‘Klew Klux Klan’.)

So, you can thank the Grand Old Party for enabling this behavior with their years of courting miscreants, with their dog whistles (honed by their wordsmith Frank Luntz, among many others), with their characterization of those who can’t get decent jobs (that is read as poor Blacks) as freeloaders, etc. The GOP is  now reaping what it sowed.

But, we Americans, who revere our illustrious heritage, our democracy, and our Constitution, must stand up and say ‘No.’ ‘Not here.’ ‘Never again.’