There is an age-old adage that has been weighing on me as of late: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” If you have paid the least bit of attention in any social studies class since fourth grade, you are likely familiar with the sentiment. We know, from the various novels assigned throughout the course of our secondary education, that literature and open discourse is necessary to help us progress as a society. Keeping this in mind, we must judge our high powers persistently.

The executive decisions made by the new administration, despite your stance politically, are cause for concern. The right to a belief is a privilege for all Americans and it takes a large sum of ignorance to truly assume that a privilege cannot be withheld. As said by Ray Bradbury, author of renowned classic and banned book “Fahrenheit 451,” “If you don’t want a man unhappy politically, don’t give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none. Let him forget there is such a thing as war. If the government is inefficient, top-heavy, and tax-mad, better it be all those than that people worry over it…” Shielding our eyes from the sheening light of fascism does nothing to dim it.

Refusing to acknowledge your vulnerability to propaganda only permisses it. We must open our minds up to educators and scholars, recognize the patterns, and learn from our past mistakes. Whether you care for our climate, our social security, or our right to free speech, it is important to always hold our politicians accountable. Make your voice and your vote known, contact your representatives, and advocate for your rights if you fear they are being threatened.