A CALL TO LOVE INSTEAD OF HATE

Our generations response to Fascism

Donald Trump pledged in honor of Veterans Day to “root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists, and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our Country, lie, steal, and cheat on Elections, and will do anything possible, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America, and the American Dream.”

Take that in. Trump’s language is the stuff of pure fascism. It’s not “kinda sorta fascism.” It’s not the stuff of “Yeah well his language is rough sometimes but…”

It is way, way more than that.

Trump is not just telegraphing what he wants to do; he’s blaring it out. He is threatening to “root out” his political enemies. And everyone should be extremely clear he means it.

Not too many years ago, it would’ve been unthinkable for a presidential candidate from a major political party in America to speak that way. Such words would have been immediately disqualifying.

Yet the inconceivable has happened here. The idea of violent opposition to one’s political opponents has been normalized, and hatred for those with whom we disagree has been turned into a political force. 

To this we must respond.

Our task is to harness love, to turn our dedication to tolerance and freedom into a political force. This movement must be so powerful, so compelling, so authentically true, that it will drown out the sick cries of fascism.

It’s a moment to call ourselves - and each other - to our highest, at a time when the former President is calling people away from the angels of their better nature. We must stand for justice where there is injustice, for democracy where there is oligarchy, for righteousness where there is corruption, and for love where there is hate. We must call on the wisdom and courage of our ancestors, following the example they set for us as they repelled attacks on democracy and freedom in their own time.

We will not surrender our democracy to the likes of Donald Trump. Our dedication to freedom is more powerful than his dedication to himself. While it’s almost hard to believe that the Republican Party would nominate someone who thinks and speaks the way he does, we will prepare ourselves to take him on at the ballot box if they do.

Let’s summon from deep within ourselves the qualities of character we will need in the year ahead, standing powerfully for the principles of love and justice that will protect and strengthen our country.

Those are not just words any more than Trump’s are. He means what he says, and so do we.