In the early 1950s, our country dealt with the rising fear of communism, stoked by Sen. Joe McCarthy and his infamous tactics. Republican Sen. Margaret Chase Smith opposed McCarthy and made numerous statements that I feel would be applicable today, in the face of the rising threat posed by an authoritarian president.

She said, “Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism … are all too frequently those who … ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism — The right to criticize. The right to hold unpopular beliefs. The right to protest. The right of independent thought … I do not want to see the Republican party ride to political victory on … Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.”

Is this happening today? Has the Republican Party been debased by President Donald Trump? I’d like to believe there are many Republican voters who are repulsed by the president’s rhetoric and actions. If that includes you, make your voice heard in the congressional elections this fall.

Bill Rice,

Butler Township