Calling ALL Patriots December 18, 2023December 17, 2023 A recent survey found that 64% of former Republican Congressfolk believe Trump’s insistence he won in 2020 threatens our democracy. So why is Liz Cheney one of the very few speaking out? Her just-released memoir begins: This is the story of the moment when American democracy began to unravel. It is the story of the men and women who fought to save it, and of the enablers and collaborators whose actions ensured the threat would grow and metastasize. It is the story of the most dangerous man ever to inhabit the Oval Office, and of the many steps he took to subvert our Constitution. Most people on the left and the right believe themselves to be patriotic Americans. Those who disagree with Liz Cheney owe it to themselves and to their country to hear her out. Because, as her preface continues: The end of this story hasn’t yet been written. The threat continues. The outcome now is in the hands of the American people and our system of justice. The methods Donald Trump is using to undermine our democracy are not unique to him. I saw authoritarian leaders use many of these same tactics in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, and across the Middle East when I was working for the US State Department. History is full of similar examples in countries around the world, but never in the United States – until now. She concludes: It is up to each one of us to take seriously our obligation to safeguard the miracle of American freedom. We must abide by our duty to the Constitution, and demand that our political leaders do the same. Politicians who minimize the threat, repeat the lies, or enable the liar are not fit for office. Most importantly, we cannot make the grave mistake of returning Donald Trump – the man who caused January 6 – to the White House, or to any position of public trust, ever again. If Trump voters conclude she’s lying or misinformed or misguided or merely overwrought — so be it. But it would be an act of true patriotism on their part — and courage — to read or listen to her story.