Almost certainly there were many well-meaning conservatives (even Mennonites) among the throngs with arms extended in salutation when a racist, misogynist, xenophobic monster vomited his hateful rhetoric in Nazi Germany. Much later, last Nov. 8, it is likely that many white Americans (even so-called evangelicals) raised their arms in thanksgiving when the Electoral College results were announced. Hopefully, World War II history will not be repeated. The scenario is far more troubling now.

It seems there are at least two world leaders with dangerous dispositions. These leaders not only are racist, misogynistic and xenophobic but also appear to be pathological megalomaniacs who flaunt their abuses and lie without shame. Totally horrifying, their fingers are poised above electronic gadgetry programmed to unleash enough incendiary power to destroy all life on the planet. It may take another 9/11 and a Bush war or two to set the stage for a prelude to mounting paranoia, but don’t be surprised if body bags of young Americans start pouring in from places like Syria and Iran.

John C. Wiebe
Trinidad, Calif.