MY TURN: Those who don't learn from history ...
My fellow citizens, my fellow American citizens. I’ll be a bit surprised that this opinion piece might be published, especially since I’m not a community leader or an influencer; I’m just a citizen in Kootenai County, Idaho, USA.
Over the past 10 years, especially the last 20 months, I’ve been reflecting on why we’re where we are. I’ve felt a mix of frustration, anger, disappointment, and outrage. But I’ve also felt joy, elation, surprise, and hope. Yes, we’re celebrating 250 years of democracy, even though our history isn’t always perfect. The men and women who founded and grew our nation through both good and challenging times were flawed, but most with good intentions. Just as we are flawed today, we’re at a crossroads, a turning point that will decide whether we continue to enjoy another 250 years of democracy.
It’s amazing that so many people are willing to believe lies instead of facing uncomfortable truths. There are those in our local communities, states, and positions of trust in our federal government who, if they can’t get their way, would destroy everything. I was raised in the church at my grandmother’s hand and was baptized, but I believe that the parishioners of that time would be shocked by what’s happening today in the name of the Lord. You know who you are without me pointing fingers. We have school boards and library boards filled with superstitious, scared people. They make wild claims about harming children by free exchange of ideas, but they ignore the real wolves in the world.
We’re living in a new era of robber barons, oligarchs, grifters, and openly corrupt individuals. We turn our backs on allies while supporting those with empirical aspirations. We deny women the autonomy of their franchise, yet there are those who would turn their backs on a homeless woman or a single mother in need.
With just over two months to go before the midterm elections, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect. If you’re looking to register to vote, there are plenty of resources available to help you. Please remember to vote — don’t let fear or intimidation hold you back. I truly don’t care who you choose to vote for, as long as you participate. Too many of us have sacrificed our freedom for false security, but how long will you be secure in your job or your home or your town. History instructs us that fascism does not discriminate … eventually, everyone becomes at risk and that’s when the real challenge starts: reclaiming our country and building a sustainable future.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana
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Jeff Webb resides in Post Falls.