Some folks are afraid to use
The f-word; I am certainly not.
If YOU are, then think about
What's happening, and give it a shot.
Assaults on democratic rule
In America we must deplore.
This has never happened here
To such an extent ever before.
The f-word here is fascism.
Just watch as it undermines
Our rights and freedoms in frightening ways.
Be aware of the tell-tale signs:
A ruler who wants total power
All to himself and stifles dissent,
And one who expects loyalty
From ALL, or he is never content;
A ruler who constantly lies and expects
Close supporters to spread his lies;
Who acts like a powerful despot whom
Folks are afraid to criticize;
A country where many people fear
Going to work, to stores, or to school
Because the government hunts them down
In ways that are unfair and cruel;
A ruler who supports the practice
Of scapegoating and demonization,
And gives extremist groups the right
To justify discrimination;
A place where freedoms are threatened by
A far-right governing apparatus,
And where the ruler is elevated
To practically a god-like status;
A ruler who uses violence
To help him achieve political goals
And always insists he's right, though all
His arguments are full of holes;
A dictatorial ruler who wants
Total control of the higher courts
And tries to force the media
To hide the truth in news reports;
And one who pits the people against
One another and has his squads
Who carry out his reign of terror--
Many of whom are thugs or frauds.
People will always say, "No way!
Fascism couldn't happen here!"
And live their lives ignoring the signs
As rights continue to disappear.
“The hell it can’t!” is what I say.
Look at the signs; learn from the past.
The once-so vivid colors of
Democracy are fading fast.
-by Bob B (7-1-25)
