It truly seems as though every time we turn around, yet another Republican is leaving the GOP — and it usually has something to do with Donald Trump’s presidency.
By now there’s a new resignation letter to read every few days, and these farewell letters have routinely become a place where Trump is criticized and bashed for his horrific leadership. That’s exactly what Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC) did in his new goodbye letter as he left the world of politics — and left behind a strong warning about Trump being a Hitler-like figure. In a 4,000-word letter, Sanford summarized his message like this:
One, thank you for your part in allowing my time in the arena of politics. It’s been an honor, and I am most appreciative. Two, we are headed for a shipwreck if we don’t change course.”
Clearly, Sanford was trying to give the Republican Party some advice, desperately trying to convince his spineless colleagues that there needs to be some sort of course correction — or else. Also in his letter, Sanford praised civility and talked about his commitment to limited government. In speaking about how the government’s abuse of power can result in dictator-like figures taking hold, Sanford used “The Road to Serfdom,” a work by philosopher Friedrich Hayek, to make his point:
Because as open political systems become cumbersome and inefficient, inevitably a strong man comes along and offers easy promises. He says that he can take care of it for us. People desperate for a change accept his offer. They have to give up a few freedoms in the equation to get more security. It doesn’t work out so well, as Hayek’s book in this instance is about the rise of Hitler in post-WWI German history. I want to be clear and explicit that I am not likening Trump to Hitler, but the forces at play could lead to a future Hitler-like character if we don’t watch out.
It must be remembered that another thing that Benjamin Franklin said was that he who trades his freedom for security, deserves neither. Indeed, how true.”
As the GOP continues to stay silent while Trump becomes more unhinged and unpredictable than ever, it’s not likely Sanford’s letter will have much impact. But at the very least, perhaps it will inspire a few more Republicans to speak out.
Featured image via screen capture
