To the editor:

As citizens it is our responsibility to defend democracy when it’s being corrupted and under threat. In late 2016, Timothy D. Snyder, a historian of 20th century Europe, published “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.” Possibly you’ve seen actor John Lithgow render the 20 beautifully in an annotated YouTube recitation. Here’s the condensed list of 20. Read through each multiple times to reinforce the personal effort needed now more than ever to protect democracy against tyranny. Your democracy, my democracy, our children’s democracy is being corrupted and under threat; heed the words below and stand up for democracy!

Do not obey in advance. Listen for dangerous words. Believe in truth. Investigate. Make eye contact and small talk. Defend institutions. Be a patriot. Be as courageous as you can. Be reflective if you must be armed. Contribute to good causes. Be kind to our language. Learn from peers in other countries. Beware the one-party state. Take responsibility for the face of the world. Remember professional ethics. Be wary of paramilitaries. Stand out. Practice corporeal politics. Establish a private life. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.

Barb Starrett,

Connie Stoker

and Carolyn Thacker,

Lawrence