What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, someone always pipes up... so I'll say it.
The differences between WWII and now are myriad even as there periodically appear similarities that may seem like flashbacks. I too am of the generation that remembers that war. And so naturally enough I was steeped in the history of that war's genesis just by being at the dinner table of my grandparents as the politics of war and peace were discussed.
Here and today: there are some rowdies out there since the election but most of us got up and made coffee and went to work because that's what was on the calendar. I hope that Mr. Trump's presidency will be successful but I also sure God hope he gets a different speechwriter for his overseas appearances than he had on the day he announced his run for President (or was that the authentic Donald Trump talking that trash?).
We may indeed be in for some "interesting" times in the states just now, and the world seems to be having trouble keeping its shirt on too. But as far as the US goes, the great thing about three branches of government is that there are bound to be some subversives in the bunch no matter who's got the grip on a majority. Here's to the messy, noisy, democratic uncertainties of the USA. If we can't beat it, we can criticize it anyway and work towards the contests of another day. So far it works and long may that remain the case.
By no means do I belittle the sense of your warning against fascism. No generation has a lock on it, and none is immune to its beguiling charms and deadly endpoints either. The USA may have elected Trump because some of us sought a "strongman" approach to resolution of its real and perceived problems. It remains to be seen whether the Congress is sufficiently aware of the downside of a strongman at the helm.
Heh, it could be Mr. Trump finds out exactly who is a strongman when push comes to shove in a showdown over an legislative issue, you never know. My money might be on Mitch McConnell, who's as partisan as they come except when the chips are really down for the country itself, and then he usually makes a pretty decent move in my experience. On balance, I'm pretty sure some lessons learned all around the political spectrum will help us get through the next four years together.
And on that note I have to say I thought Tim Cook's letter was wonderful.
