Voices

Two prescient quotes

HALIFAX — As I watch the reality of Donald Trump unfold, I am reminded of two thoroughly prescient quotes:

“Every day I ask myself the same question: How can this be happening in America? How can people like these be in charge of our country? If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I'd think I was having a hallucination.”

-Philip Roth, The Plot Against America

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”

-H. L. Mencken, “Bayard vs. Lionheart,” Baltimore Evening Sun, July 26, 1920

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