I feel like I'm living through a horror movie

[peggysue2]

18. Back in the day . . .

We thought we were immune to the craziness, thought America by virtue of her historical arc and strength, her defense of freedom and decency and progress (regardless of how slow or flawed) was a bulwark to the darkness.

The shock is knowing that was never true and the things we took for granted were always vulnerable. I can remember as a kid wondering how the Russian people could ever believe what their leaders bellowed, such obvious lies and distortions. Or how the Germans fell for the Nazi rhetoric, the propaganda or found Hitler mesmerizing.

The narrative has been repeated again and again. It has no national boundaries and now it's here.

Now we know the underpinnings for these destructive forces have always been there, that all they need is the right moment, the right voice, a small nod of acquiescence and a measure of apathy to grow into something monstrous.

Nightmarish, indeed.

This is why we fight. This is why we must tell our children:

Vigilance is forever.