To the Journal editor:

The Strauss-Howe generational theory suggests every fourth generation America faces a major crisis. Some agree/disagree but past crises do slowly fade into a textbook footnote allowing the darkness of cynicism and hatred to seep in to cloak our better angels, and I feel the Nation is at a crossroads.

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” – Mark Twain

Perspective, which historical figure instigated a major crisis by stoking nationalism, labeling anyone opposed an enemy of the state, and promising to return the nation to past glories? This person spoke with fire and vehemence to embolden loyalist to intimidate anyone opposed, stating “We do not argue with those who disagree with us, we destroy them”, which escalated to threats against non-partisan judicial system and rule of law. He projected himself as the indispensable leader to incite tens of thousands of armed followers to march on government demanding he be named supreme leader. Created a new governing doctrine to centralize power in himself, which he described as “all-embracing; outside of it no human or spiritual values can exist, much less have value”, to systemically dismantle government to take supreme control over the rule of law, the press, and the people; expelling or arresting all opposition, abolishing local elections, and instating the death penalty for political crimes.

This haunting historical figure was Benito Mussolini, only four generations removed. Mussolini and his loyalist transformed Italy from a democracy into a dictatorship in a few decades, using dehumanizing “Us vs Them” hatred to divide a country. Italians regret their missed opportunity to repel his movement’s hatred at the voting booth. Mussolini’s reign of crimes against humanity came to an end by WWII Allied forces, and he and his loyalists paid the ultimate price by the Italian people.

America’s beacon of Liberty shines brightly because we have repeatedly united in our Founding principles to repel our own haunting periods of cynicism and hatred. Our Founders’ passed down a sacred antidote against tyranny for us to strengthen, protect and sing loudly from the rafters. The following mystic chords bind Americans together, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Forgetting our core vision enables “Us vs Them” ideology to digress into molten dehumanization, releasing mankind’s dark-side to erupt and haunt us.

May Lincoln’s following message of hope in America’s ideals resonate with you, “The mystic chords of memory will yet swell the chorus of the Union… when again touched by the better angels of our nature.”

Will our future rhyme with hope or regret after Nov. 5th?

Ron Mattson


Marquette