Before I get into this article, I must be sure that everyone understands what these three groups stand for, and who they are.

Antifa is an ultra-liberal group of primarily young men who oppose all fascist organizations. Sadly, they often resort to violence against white supremacist groups and Nazi marches around the world.

ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, did not exist until March of 2003. In another ‘knee-jerk reaction, Republicans decided that we needed another government agency; we weren’t wasting enough money. It has become a gestapo-like organization which refuses to treat illegal immigrants with respect and compassion. Instead, they act in a cruel and inhuman manner. It is unnecessary and should be disbanded. We already have a Border Patrol and a United States Coast Guard.

The ‘Donald Trump Party’ was once known as the ‘Republican Party.’ However, since Trump’s illegitimate inauguration, they have bowed to their fuhrer and refuse to represent our nation’s people. Trump, not the people, controls all three branches of government in an effort to replace democracy with fascism.

All three are detrimental to the welfare of the American people and the world. They are part of the evil which exists in the 21^st century.

Although I consider myself a dedicated progressive, I cannot accept any group, any organization, which is violent. Antifa has the right idea; all fascist; all totalitarian governments and groups are opposed to the rights of all men and women on this planet. However, when they attend marches consisting of hate groups, and plan to physically attack them, they are violating free speech, and that is unforgivable. Just recently Antifa exposed the names, addresses, and other contact information of 1,600 ICE agents. Although I am no supporter of ICE, this action could result in violent action against them and their families. Extremes are always detrimental to freedom and human rights.

ICE is nothing but a violent arm of our government. They are obviously poorly trained and as I previously stated, unnecessary. Stories about how they treat the men, women, and children they detain are far too numerous and revolting to allow this fascist agency to exist.

The truth is that there has not been a ‘Republican Party’ for nearly three decades. The principles, ideals, and even the focus of the once Grand Old Party no longer exist. Great Republicans including Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and Bob Dole are but a memory. Today’s ‘Trump Party’ is only interested in serving special interests and winning elections. What is far more critical is that they are allowing a mentally incompetent egomaniac to destroy ‘the American way.’ His policies are the policies of tyrants including Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and other despots. This Republican Party in name only has chosen to do Trump’s bidding and ignore the future of America.

Since January 20, 2017, the world has become more dangerous and less tolerant. I am saddened to observe how much my country and the world has changed in just 17 months and a day.

Change must come. We must all vote in November and rid our nation of the enemy; the ‘Donald Trump Party.’

Op-ed by James Turnage

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