Recently, many opinion polls indicate that Donald Trump-- a convicted criminal, a pathological liar, and the latest in a long string of rightwing demagogues-- is likelier than not to be elected President of the United States.
I was born and raised during World War II, a time when fascist armies seemed on the verge of conquering the world, and perhaps this accounts for my feeling of alarm at the current revival of rightwing extremism in the United States and elsewhere. This alarm seems justified today not only because of the hate-filled rhetoric and program of the latest crop of would-be fuhrers, but because of their popularity. Indeed, their popular appeal is deeply disturbing and contrary to what many of us expected in the aftermath of the crushing defeat and discrediting of fascism in 1945.
So, as I contemplate the current political struggle over the future of the United States, I wonder about the apparent views of many of my fellow-Americans.
Do you really approve of Donald Trump's constant incitement of hatred, cruelty, and violence?
Is his frequent spouting of racist slurs all right with you?
Do you consider his plan to seize and deport between 15 million and 20 million immigrants acceptable?
Are restrictions on women's rights-- including the right to their bodily autonomy-- agreeable to you?
Are you content with the growing interference with free elections, including legislation restricting the right to vote?
Are you ready to replace civil liberties and the rule of law with a police state?
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