Dear Editor:

The paradox of an open liberal democracy is that its toleration of free speech allows for the growth of fascist movements within it. This happens because fascists will lie, fearmonger and say anything to gain power.. Should a citizen object, defend, or return the name calling, the fascists will immediately stand up with accusations of hypocrisy further de-legitimizing the democratic status quo.

Fascists need a bogeyman to make citizens fearful of “them” and vote for the strongman who promises quick and easy solutions. The pattern in Europe was to demonize Jews, labor unions, communists and intellectuals. Here Blacks, “liberals” and “socialists” have replaced the Jews and communists in fascist rhetoric, They along with labor unions and academics are painted as the threat to freedom and security.

There is no real way for an open democracy to limit the persuasive speech of the fascists without endangering the democracy we are trying to protect. We have seen a small fascist faction within the Republican party grow decade after decade by sowing lies and fear about liberals, socialism and “them.”

The only real defense the citizens of a democracy have against the spread of fascism is an educated population. But over the decades we have allowed tax cuts to defund our schools and colleges. We have allowed our media to become dominated by an oligopoly that has turned news into entertainment and become an instrument of fascist propaganda.

A properly educated citizen will understand their civic responsibilities. They will be better able to discern news from propaganda and know how to research facts instead of accepting lies. History is taught, the good with the bad, that citizens can function in a diverse society. 

We citizens who love democracy and the freedom it brings must not lose faith in our electoral system. Even if we do manage to elect a defender of democracy and our Constitution, our work is far from over. We must stand with resolute purpose and courage to rebuild our democracy and those institutions which support a free people.

Fred W. Nehring

Boothbay