Tension and fear are the objective. Those who fear accept oppression.

I am 90 years old.  I remember the original. It was called Gestapo (Geheime Staatspolizei), SS (Schutzstaffel) — depending on the context — Adolf Hitler’s tools of oppression. ICE is but a cheap copy, as is the Donald himself.

Hitler’s stated targets were the Jews; Trump’s are the immigrants. But once society stoops low enough to accept such prejudice-based scapegoats, everyone becomes a potential victim, even 37-year-old Minnesota — or Maine — moms minding their own business. Then the lies mount.

Try to avoid being afraid. Stand up for the truth. For reality is the only thing that matters. And remember: Hitler’s original Reich lasted but a paltry 12 years.

Paul Kando
Damariscotta