Letters to the editor Feb. 11
Fascism
It’s always informative to read David Myerowitz’ contributions the Inter Lake’s opinion page. Without his Feb. 3, 2025, letter to the editor, I would not have been aware of any recent Nazi rallies on college campuses. The balance of Mr. Myerowitz’ letter, however, left me with more questions than actual information.
Mainly, how is it that liberals who call out President Donald Trump for his autocratic, authoritarian tendencies, are universally antisemitic? Trump’s total disregard for the rule of law, his anti-American and anti-Constitutional suppression of free speech, and his threats to use military force against protesters who objects to his agenda are all hallmarks of fascism. Voicing concerns over Trump’s power grab, while certainly anti-fascist, is, just as certainly, not antisemitic. Therefore, how is it that “liberal politicians and news anchors” get morphed into supporters of mobs of protesters calling for “the destruction of Israel?”
I do agree with Mr. Myerowitz on one point. There are a lot of Americans who “need to educate themselves” about what makes someone a fascist, as well as how Hitler’s rise to power in post World War I Germany came about. There is a plethora of internet sites where those interested in truth can learn all there is to know about fascism, and decide for themselves whether Trump/MAGA-ism smacks of fascism.
Mr. Myerowitz’ ire over Trump and his supporters being called Nazi’s is understandable. After all, the Nazi Party’s official name was National Socialist German Workers’ Party. The suggestion that the MAGA movement has any connection with a “socialist” movement would certainly be repugnant to the MAGA world. However, be aware there is no “shame” in fighting against fascism. So, good luck with manipulating true patriots into silence. Trump’s crimes against the Constitution are far too dangerous to ignore or accept.
Liberals will never cease speaking truth to power when constitutional rights are at stake. And, Mr. Myerowitz will somehow have to reconcile the fact that his allegiance to Trump/MAGA is aligned with the Jan. 6 insurrectionists, some of whom sported “Camp Auschwitz” sweatshirts.
— Al Weed, Kalispell
Democracy
Tyranny rarely announces itself with a grand declaration. It seeps in under the guise of “law and order,” “national security,” or “protecting democracy.” It begins when a leader places himself above the law and when institutions either enable him or look the other way. It thrives when the public shrugs off abuses of power as just more political noise.
Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has wasted no time consolidating power and pushing the limits of executive authority. He’s ordered investigations into political opponents, pressured agencies to punish critical media outlets and revoked security protections for former officials who spoke out against him. He pardoned Jan. 6 rioters who attacked police officers, sending a clear message that political violence is acceptable — so long as it’s on his behalf.
Now, Trump is escalating his anti-immigrant agenda to an unprecedented level. His administration is expanding the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to hold migrants, planning for up to 30,000 detainees. He’s also building new detention centers, echoing some of the darkest chapters in American history.
None of this should be normalized. History shows where this road leads, and once democracy is lost, it is rarely regained without great cost. The question is not whether Trump will abuse his power—he already is. The question is whether we will stop him before it’s too late.
— Angela Burns, Kalispell
Politics of fear
I must applaud Steven Moore for his well-written letter addressing commissioner Brad Abell’s comments about black families in a recent The Guardian news article.
I have lived here almost 50 years and not one time have I ever had any person of any color ever cause a problem with me. Politics of fear only works on the weak mind, Brad. Now go get some rest, you have likely been plowing this week (like all of us) and I’m sure you are too tired to participate in running/ruining this valley.
— Jeremy Phillips, Kalispell