Lynn DesLauriers, Rapid City, S.D.

The January 6 hearings have exposed a stark reality. The Republican party no longer exists. It has been replaced by the “Cult of Trump.” The once proud party of Lincoln and Eisenhower has been co-opted by a slow march toward fascism. To be sure, there are a few traditional Republicans, such as Liz Cheney and Steve Schmidt, that have not been co-opted, but the majority of the party dare not challenge the cult.

The dictionary defines fascism as “a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.” To be a member of the “Cult of Trump” your must believe that white supremacy is tolerable, that the election was stolen from your fearless leader – Trump, that it is permissible to try to overthrow the government by violence if necessary, that scientists and science are suspect and not to be trusted, that books should be banned that do not meet the narrative.

These are all characteristics of fascism. The new party of the “Cult of Trump” may believe fascism is what they want, but liberty is elusive under a fascist state. Just ask German and Italian historians.