When White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders refuses to walk back Trump’s rant that the press is “the enemy of the people,” warning bells should be ringing across the land.
Thomas Jefferson observed that:
When the speech condemns a free press, you are hearing the words of a a tyrant.
Attacking the independent media is a tactic employed by dictators throughout history. They recognize that a free press is essential to democracy.
State controlled media is necessary to sustain the kind of cult that Trump has created.
As this wild-eyed demagogue foments hate and divisiveness apparently to cover his looting and lawlessness, he is surreptitiously fanning the flames that could destroy democracy.
This cannot be taken lightly.
Jefferson also said that to protect the freedom of the press:
Every spirit should be ready to devote itself to martyrdom.
Are we the people ready to accept martyrdom for a free press? Are we prepared to die for our democracy?
Fortunately, that question does not have to be answered – yet.
November’s midterms could be our last chance to head off tyranny by peaceful means. This is one election that we cannot in conscience ignore.
Unless Trump’s captive Congress is purged, his march toward absolute power will be irresistible without martyrdom.
