As Memorial Day approaches, I found myself thinking back to when I was a child and marched in the Memorial Day parade. In my American Legion uniform, I proudly marched down the street. It was 1957 and close to when the Allies across the world defeated fascism, ending World War II. Europe and Asia were in shambles.
Today I watch with concern as the Republican party eviscerates Liz Cheney for the crime of telling the truth, condemns Adam Kinzinger for voting his conscience and sidelines anyone who does not fall before the throne of conspiracy and lies. It’s chilling.
Democracy has one vital weapon in its arsenal to defend itself – the vote. It’s no surprise the next target in this war is to subvert confidence in the very tool that gives citizens a voice – the vote.
I read history. Hitler fomented his revolution from prison, Trump and his minions foment revolution from Florida. We all know how the Hitler story ended, and we were all frozen watching the unfolding story on Jan.6th.
This Memorial Day, if we remember anything remember these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” Men and women have died to secure the constitution and protect those words. Cheney and Kinzinger put their careers on the line. Now, I argue, debate and challenge the people who support the radical fringe of the republican party, I will not be silenced again, I will remember this, Cheney and Kinzinger can speak up – so can I.
I’m Lou Ness, and that is my Perspective.
