Don't let freedom fade one feather at a time

I started Memorial Day by watching the parade honoring our millions of soldiers who have given service or their lives for this country. I ended the day reading the last chapters of a book by Madeleine Albright, "Fascism - A Warning." I highly recommend this book, which covers past and current world leaders - how they campaigned, got elected, made promises and then governed away from those promises of a better life. From Mussolini and Hitler to Chavez, Erdogan and Putin "power is an addiction and prone to abuse." Each had his own style to attract followers, but all fed on social and economic grievances where the people believed that "others were receiving better treatment than what they deserved."

Around the world and in this country, democratic values are being assaulted. Nationalism and populism are now taking hold in many European nations. Memorial Day was a fitting day to remember that for freedom to survive, it must be defended, lies exposed, small aggressions opposed before they grow bigger, not accepting things that are objectionable and listening to opposing viewpoints without blocking them.

Mussolini said, "If you pluck a chicken one feather at a time, nobody notices." Stay vigilant and do not allow our democracy to erode one feather at a time. Honor our soldiers by defending our democracy

Diane Crawford

Arlington Heights