History shows U.S. is on a perilous path

Our country's current course reminds me of the Titanic's maiden voyage. No one questioned the ship's design, much less the competency of the captain and crew. All were in shock and disbelief after the Titanic struck the iceberg.

Do you not see the parallels in our present ship of state? Our new captain and his crew see socialism as their preferred destination for our country. Cautious folks among us who repeatedly sound warnings, largely ignored in the past, are now gaining credibility.

What gives me the greatest concern is the outrageous debt past administrations have handed us, plus the certainty of even more debt, crippling inflation, much higher taxes and the unwillingness of our creditor nations to continue their financing and loans. This will lead to financial ruin for our country.

Read Germany's history. Defeated in World War I, Germany gave way to Hitler, who brought his brand of socialism and eventually tyranny to Germany in the late 1930s. Most Germans believed their new leader and government promises of a glorious Germany that would give its citizens everything they wanted. In the end, they received nothing but despair, death and another devastating defeat at the end of World War II.

Read, too, the history of Russia. The promises of a people's republic (something good for everyone) finally gave way to the downfall of Stalin and the tyranny he brought to the USSR.

Perhaps you think we're too strong to fail? The lessons are all there.

Dick Averill

Decorah