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Diane Fassett's avatar

Ryan Lizza: I have followed your reporting with pleasure for many years and this is the most impressive, well-thought out, and outstanding column you have ever written. I truly believe it will become an important historical document in US history, as we struggle so deeply with the issue of authoritarianism during these troubling, current times. Because I am a lawyer, a practicing psychologist and a woman who studied and taught American History for several years, I feel qualified to make this judgement.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! and THANK YOU!

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Ryan Lizza's avatar

Thank you so much. That means a lot!

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Judith Hofeditz's avatar

Thank you for this, especially your clear articulation about the link between authoritarianism and actions taken to constrict women’s bodily autonomy. Women have the most to lose in an authoritarian regime that is based on a patriarchal and religious foundation, which explains in part why I see a majority of women in recent street protests. It is very frightening to see the rapid loss of rights we took for granted, with even the right to vote being threatened by rich and powerful right wing technocrats (e.g. Peter Thiel) and religious leaders (e.g. Doug Wilson.)

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Barb Smith's avatar

I went to paid on the strength of this written piece. Congratulations on your conclusion that the denial of bodily control is the poster child for authoritarian thinking - and therefore not to be supported for electoral wins, ever, at least if one is beginning on the premise “to save democratic principles and save human freedom.” It is just logic. Thank you Ryan, good work!

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hypatia0761's avatar

So did I — went to paid on this.

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lauren's avatar

This is a great column Ryan and it makes me very happy that I support your sub stack. Of course you are right.

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joe alter's avatar

You don't beat authoritarians by negotiating a middle ground on authoritarian policy

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hypatia0761's avatar

So well said, Ryan. The fascists always go after the women first because once they have suppressed the rights of more than half the population, the rest fall in line easily.

ezra seems to think that since he is too cowardly and lazy and ignorant and nakedly ambitious to beat the fascist forced birthers, we should join them. He has no problem just throwing us all under the bus. My fundamental human rights to my own bodily autonomy are NOT his to play with, despicable dumbfuck that he is.

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