The Meaning of America

Friends – TCDLA President David Moore has penned an important, thought-provoking President’s Message in the September “Voice for the Defense”. As David’s message makes clear, history does not afford us the luxury of silence. In fact, as has been said, in times of moral crisis, silence is complicity.

A number of years ago I read a book about the rise of Fascism in America. The book referenced Umberto Eco’s essay ” Eternal Fascism: Fourteen Ways of Looking at a Blackshirt”. Eco’s essay is short and well worth reading. One cannot read it without seeing parallels with Trump and his ” Movement”. I suppose one can close their eyes, but the great patriot Patrick Henry warned against closing one’s eyes in matters of liberty

Patrick Henry said, “Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.”

I agree with Patrick Henry. For my part, notwithstanding whatever discomfort it may cause, I want to know the truth. As lawyers, I should hope we should all want the truth, even if, or particularly if it makes us uncomfortable. So I urge everyone to read Umberto Eco’s attached essay on fascism. I have studied Eco and I have drawn my own uncomfortable conclusions about where our country is at. I urge you to read Ecos essay and draw your own conclusions no matter what ” anguish of spirit it may cost.”

Best to all,

Robb Fickman, Houston
http://interglacial.com/pub/text/Umberto_Eco_-_Eternal_Fascism.html