Hyperbole it is not. It’s clear the leading candidate for the Republican nomination for president is a fascist. Criminally indicted, he is running to keep himself out of prison. And the Republican party allowed it to occur.

It is hard to fathom the division that has fomented in this country by his lying denialism, going back to the election of former President Barack Obama. His claim of the 2016 election being “rigged” was most certainly in anticipation that the election was “stolen” from him.

That the Russians indeed did steal the election from Hillary Clinton was unexpected. And he was more than happy to be their useful idiot – witness the immediate invite of Russian diplomats into the Oval Office. Boasting about giving them intelligence, there seems little doubt now that was the case. But his continuing claims of stolen and rigged elections are without merit, as shown by any number of judicial decisions.

Don’t underestimate the power of the continual disinformation campaign being run by his supporters. We should see him for the very real threat to our democracy that he represents. If allowed back in office, the U.S. as we know it will cease to exist as the Christo fascists will never cede power once they have it.

Barry Goldwater’s warnings seem prophetic now, “Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others.”

We ignore 45 at our peril. He is the clear and present danger.

David Black

Bayfield