Dear Editor,

In the Godfather, Michael says: “Everytime I try to get out, I am dragged back in.”

That’s how I feel about participating in the national debate about the threat to Democracy. I feel it is very important for me to do what I can – by speaking out in some way – in the defense of Democracy, i.e. “the Rule of Law.” I can no longer, because of my age, run for public office. (I really would like to take on do-nothing Bill Johnson.)

But I can speak out in my letters in opposition to Fascism. The Fascists also known as “White Nationalists.” Many are also known as MAGAs. Their ultimate desire is an autocratic government, even including concentration camps and the terror of secret police. They are advocating the burning of books and controlling all forms of government from school boards up to the dictatorship by the President of the United States.

The Fascists have demonstrated their goal of tyrannical, total government control by their far-right, authoritarian, ultra nationalism political ideology and attempted government overthrow by the Trump led insurrection of our National Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Some might scoff at the notion of America being taken over by NAZIs. Tell that to Hitler, Mussolini, Putin, etc.

Participate in elections. Do what you can. Run for office (I had my turn). Write letters. Above all, vote.

Slam the door on the Fascists.

Bill Bryant

St. Clairsville