Democracy is essential to defeat the risk of fascism

Opinion echo published in the Canton Repository, a Canton Ohio newspaper.

The base of democracy in our “sweet land of liberty” is the right to vote in free elections in which sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. 

Recently, however, some paranoid/narcissistic politicians have claimed without proof, even before elections take place, that the results will be/are fraudulent. As one deranged politician admitted, he only had “a gut feeling” ― no real proof.

These election deniers across the nation are destroying trust in our government. These perpetrators apparently do not believe in elections ― indeed, they must denounce them because they are fearful that they will lose. To them, elections are dangerous to their interests. If elections must take place, they must be the sham variety similar to the recent pretenses in eastern Ukraine under Russian auspices.

Some Americans were angered when President Biden accused these election deniers as “semi-fascists.” Many interpret fascism as a dirty word describing something that cannot happen here. But it can. Fascism requires that all elections be controlled ― the outcome must always be known in advance. Yes, fraudulent.

Under fascism, the “leader” always speaks the truth and his/her opponents as purveyors of falsehoods must be silenced or ridiculed. Newspapers can only spout official statements that the leader approves. Books that present a different approach/stance/view/etc. are considered dangerous and must be banned from libraries. K-12 students, as well university students, must not be exposed to such works (Toni Morrison? Margaret Atwood?), for they are dangerous to the system and the leader.

Consider how such control is taking place in Florida, Texas, and, yes even Ohio. I was horrified to see raised, fascist-style arm salutes at the recent Youngstown political (really demagogic) rally ― it reeked/stunk of fascist Mussolini. God help us. God save us from such traitors to democracy.

From T. Carl Sosnowski, North Canton Ohio