Proud of ancestors who were antifa

A lot of my relatives were antifa during World War Two. I am not ashamed; I’m proud.

Although some among us try to vilify the term by calling it a terrorist organization, ANTIFA just stands for ANTI-FAscism. Really. If you don’t believe me, look it up.

My dad earned two Bronze Star medals fighting fascists in the Pacific theater. His brother, my Uncle Kenny, was shot up while fighting fascist Nazis with a B.A.R. My Uncle Cliff fought fascists by bombing Germany from an airplane, and my Mom’s brothers, my uncles Will and John, were both captured by the Germans while fighting Nazi fascists in the Battle of the Bulge.

We are now moving toward fascism in the U.S.A. Fascism is defined as a far-right political movement characterized by extreme nationalism, a charismatic strongman leader, repression of the free press, and suppression and arrest of political opponents. Our current administration checks all those boxes. So it’s no surprise that the president has labeled “Antifa” a terrorist organization; he doesn’t like the exposure.

My dad was training to invade Japan, and was part of the occupation force after the war. He said the Japanese people were exceptionally polite and kind. The German people weren’t all bad either, but they fell under the spell of a fascist strongman. That’s what’s happening to us now.

Traditional Republicans weren’t fascists, but many MAGA Republicans are now. They call traditional Republicans RINO’s. My dad was a traditional Republican, but I’m sure he would be disgusted at the fascist tendencies of the current administration.

Some people, including some of my living relatives, won’t like to hear this, but I challenge them to find anything inaccurate in this letter. I only hope that people wake up before it’s too late.

Jim Skaar

St. Charles