In the mid-1850’s, a nativist political party and movement arose in America. Members were largely Protestant and believed that Catholic immigrants were conspiring—according to Wikipedia—to “subvert native-born Protestants” in what they described as “defense of their traditional religious and political values.” Jews were also identified as their enemies.

This party was called “Know-Nothing,” but not due to their ignorance. Rather, members were instructed, when asked about the party, to say “they knew nothing.” Later on, towards the end of their political viability, they called themselves the “American Party.”

Party membership was largely restricted to “White, Anglo-Saxon Males.” Females were told they could best serve the country by taking care of their children and having more of them.

By 1855, the “Know-Nothings” had elected thousands of local officials, including eight Governors, 43 House Members, and five U.S. Senators. In office, they were largely unsuccessful in passing any significant legislation. They sought literacy and other voting tests to restrict “undesirables” from voting. Thankfully, by 1859, their influence was on the wane. Although originally aligned with the Whig Party, remaining members moved to the newly formed Republican Party. Immigrants, as expected, supported the Democratic Party.

If the above seems familiar, it is because those Americans who seem most like their “Know-Nothing” predecessors, are now known as “Republicans.” One caveat, most of today’s Republicans, and probably all their leaders, really do KNOW-NOTHING.

Today’s Republicans (i.e. Know-Nothings), support Big Lie(s), especially regarding the reality of their collective losses in the 2020 election cycle. Despite what they argue, Trump was not the victor in 2020 nor did innumerable states suffer voter fraud. Also, the cure for Covid-19 is not bleach, nor other home remedies, despite Trump’s insistence that they can be safely used. Further, Derek Chauvin was not wrongly convicted for killing George Floyd nor was ANTIFA responsible for recent civil unrest. Mexicans are not, as Trump contended, “rapists and killers” anymore then you can single out any ethnic group for its miscreants. In fact, the foremost danger to American society is Donald Trump and his band of fools (i.e. Republicans). Two hundred years of American democracy, and relative political and economic stability, are threatened by this thug and his supporters. Eighty years ago, a similar set of individuals was enraptured with another candidate for political office. His name was Adolf Hitler and we remember ( I hope), what he wrought.

Keep at it so-called Republicans. Your behavior and rhetoric indicates that most of you “know-nothing.” You bring only disgrace to yourselves and the country. What a shameful epitaph!