Echo letter to the editor from Arkansas - history repeats

Recognized parallels with European history

Echo opinion letter published in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

It has been a fascination to me (an Arkansas reader) for many years that Hitler was able to capture the most advanced society of that era and ultimately lead it to destruction with empty promises. 

I believe this is a lingering question in the minds of many Germans today. A visit to that part of the world (Europe) just before our national elections of 2016 fostered frequent questions about the possible election of Mr. Trump to the presidency.

Fast-forward two years and I can better understand their concerns and can see the jeopardy we are in as a nation. They (Europeans) recognized the parallels long before I thought about them, with the primary one being the vilification of a free and questioning press. 

Another is the timidity of elected officials to stand and be counted as protectors of the people and values they were elected to represent. I thank God frequently for the wisdom of our founding fathers and our Constitution, but as citizens we must also do our part or suffer the consequences--stay informed and vote! 

Paul N. Revis, Conway Arkansas