Two important books

In the midst of deep political division, historical amnesia, and a growing indifference to the erosion of democratic values, I believe every American should read--or reread--two important books: "All the King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren and "In the Garden of Beasts" by Erik Larson.

Warren's "All the King's Men" portrays Willie Stark's rise to power and the seductive nature of charisma. It reveals how easily noble intentions can rot when accountability dies and ambition rules. Sound familiar?

Larson's "In the Garden of Beasts" brings history uncomfortably close. Through the eyes of American Ambassador William E. Dodd, to Nazi Germany in the 1930s, we watch a civilized society slide into tyranny, while the world--including the U.S.--looks on in polite disbelief. The warning signs were there. They always are. But people didn't want to see them until it was too late.

These two books, one fiction and one fact, together serve as a chilling reminder: Democracy and freedom of the press and speech are fragile.

Read these books. Talk about them. Utilize Five Calls: Contact your Congress. We cannot afford to look away or be lulled into complacency.

REE GANDY ROUTON

Little Rock

Greatest disgraces

My opinion........

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