Recently our president- Joe Biden- decreed that MAGA Republicans, without explaining what he meant, are semi-fascists. This kind of declaration, that 10s of millions of heretofore fellow citizens are now despicable, is pretty much unprecedented in American history, though has been widely used in other times and places (think of Rwanda in the mid-1990s, for example). The word "fascist" is, by definition, extreme, and not really amenable to modification: something more routine can be paired with "semi," such as a "semi-pro" athlete or "I 'semi-enjoy' cooking," but a "semi-fascist" is more akin to a "semi-serial killer" or "semi-child rapist," so let us interpret these oral ejaculations from our president as simply fascist without the "semi" preface. In other words, he accused 10s of millions of fellow Americans as being among the vilest people in history.
A couple of months ago someone I cared about deeply and held in great esteem passed away. He was my age- mid-60s- and was a conservative Baptist pastor from Texas, complete with a thick redneck drawl. I first met him in Honduras in 2007 or 2008. My wife and I had recently established a tiny, non-residential charity project in a small village, a youth center where kids could be kids in a safe and nurturing environment, and get in some good eating as well. We had heard rumors of an American pastor and his wife running an orphanage several miles away and went to check it out. Note that we did not realize he was a fascist at the time, only someone committed to helping marginalized and impoverished children.
Carole Ann Milljour
Reid, such a powerful dedication to a wonderful individual that gave of himself until there was no more left to give. A truly honorable man! So happy you and Patti got to know him and his wonderful family ...wife and adopted children! They must truly be morning and feeling the loss at his passing. My deepest condolences go out to you and them! There is a heaven and I’m certain he’s there!
So amazing are all those great men (such as your friend) and women (and most certainly Queen Elizabeth II being one of them as well) who have touched our lives from the goodness they hold within. How often we try to forgive and forget the individuals who sometimes scorn (i.e., Biden and his fascist statements), criticize and out right hate and hurt us. Sometimes because they are jealous/ envious, but mostly because they can never be what they hate us for. They lack compassion and commitment to do the best with what they have. They want more and more but lack the desire to earn it. The evil side of men lack compassion and love for others. They are all too preoccupied with their own self love and desire to have the best of the best no matter what it may cost them in the long run; all to obtain their hearts’ desires. That type of person does not make life easy for others, (or for themselves for that matter) they destroy and don’t build. Their end will come soon enough (as all of us will experience someday) but they will pay dearly for their evil tendencies.
I truly feel sorry for them. They are being taken in by the evil in the world and because of that, they are missing out on sooo much. Most of us live not wanting so much for money or power, but for harmony and freedom. Enough money to get by, love of country and of neighbor. Happiness comes from within, and no amount of money or celebrity can give it to us. It seems that the more we give, the greater our happiness. When one feels truly fulfilled, it’s easy to want the best for others. God Bless this great country. Still home of the free and land of the brave. God is on our side. He is watching and has always had a game plan in mind. Through the centuries this great world we live in experienced a great many problems/tragedies, but it always came back stronger and better. It's not the environment that kills or manes progress, it is individuals. We hire some and find out they are useless. Doesn’t mean the world will end because of them, it means we have to be alert and aware and ready to act. I always have to think about right and wrong and the individuals on the right (Conservative minded people whatever their political affiliation is.) and those on the left (Dems, i.e., socialist/communists); the right -vs the left. Sort of fits in my estimation. …i.e., the right is right, and the left is wrong! What’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong (…and the Dems on the left are wrong!) Then you have Republicans -vs- Democrats .... Elephants (elephants never forget) -vs- donkeys (aka jackasses); need I say more?
During the American Revolution it appeared the British would win against Washington and his men, didn’t happen, we took over with a victorious win! During WWII, it appeared that Hitler would gain control over the entire world, didn’t happen, the USA and British/French and other allies defeated him with full strength. President Eisenhower and Prime Minister. Winston Churchill have been highly praised for that and rightly so!
We need to maintain happy, thankful dispositions and not fear the future. When we proudly say, “God Bless America”, we are praying that God Blesses America! He is and always has been and it is just a matter of time! Always remember too that our Blessed Mother, Our Savior's mother. is our nation’s Patron Saint. ....and Queen Elizabeth II recently died on her birthday, 9/8. Truly amazing! I could say more being a Catholic, but I don’t feel I need to. I just wish more people would go back to Church. We haven’t lost our way, but we could certainly strive to do better! Pray and don’t worry! The best is yet to come!!!!!
Kurt Smith
Very well done Reid. I have met your friend, vicariously through our (yours and my) conversations. He must have been an amazing person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I truly enjoyed this article. You are spot on with the direction our nation is heading. At light speed I must add. There will be a great correction, I truly believe, in the not so distant future. “In God We Trust”