D Minus 1

Millions of Americans are about to vote in the most important election since 1860. A currently unknown number of others are preparing to engage in political and possibly actual guerilla warfare if Donald Trump is defeated by VP Kamala Harris. If you've not yet voted, please do so but remain vigilant for your safety and that of others.

I voted by mail for Harris weeks ago. Not because I agree with her policy positions (I don't on many, and vehemently so), but because in this election there is only one politically viable candidate who, broadly speaking, is committed to the survival of the Republic and upholding some semblance of the rule of law. And that candidate is Harris.

If you've already voted likewise, thank you for putting the Republic first. If you're still undecided or are even thinking about sitting this one out, let me quote the late German theologian Martin Niemöller for you:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

And in his own words and those of his subordinate mouthpieces, Trump has told us who he will come for if he returns to power:

First, Trump is coming for the migrants and those who give them aid.

Then he will come for the "radical leftists" including transgendered people.

Then he will come for the Muslims because his most rabid supporters believe all Muslims are terrorists.

Then he will come for the journalists and news organizations he views as "fake news" and political enemies.

Then he will come for Never Trumpers like Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, and others who've elected to put country over party.

Then he will come for Democrats, who he characterizes as traitors.

And finally, he will come for people like you and me.

The way to avoid this outcome is to 1) vote for Harris and 2) vote for or financially support Democratic House and Senate candidates in your state.

I'd like to believe that the day will come when Never Trumpers form a new political party, one that's socially liberal, promotes federal fiscal sanity, and is committed to upholding the Bill of Rights and standing with our fellow democracies around the globe. For now, that's a hope and an aspiration. In the here-and-now, there is only this reality: neither Trump nor his GOP enablers should be allowed to wield political power in this country ever again.

Tyranny or freedom. Terror or hope. The choice is yours.

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