Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

Fascism

I’m posting an atypical mid-week treatise this week because I just can’t hold it in any longer.

The twice-impeached, twice-indicted (perhaps thrice by the time you read this) former guy isn’t being shy about saying OUT LOUD what he’s planning to do if (Goddess forbid) he retakes the White House.  I tend to bristle when I hear people say that there’s a good possibility that TFG will be elected. Please, just don’t put that energy out into the Universe!

I’ve been hesitant to use the words ‘fascism’ or ‘dictatorship’ or ‘authoritarian,’ thinking I’d be labeled a fear-monger or radical leftist (I’m good with that!) or some other term (Trump Derangement Syndrome) that diminishes what I have to say, that it can’t be taken seriously. But I’m done with that hesitation. The repubs are showing their hand:

Donald J. Trump and his allies are planning a sweeping expansion of presidential power over the machinery of government if voters return him to the White House in 2025, reshaping the structure of the executive branch to concentrate far greater authority directly in his hands [emphasis mine].

Mr. Trump and his associates have a broader goal: to alter the balance of power by increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House, according to a review of his campaign policy proposals and interviews with people close to him.

Mr. Trump intends to bring independent agencies — like the Federal Communications Commission, which makes and enforces rules for television and internet companies, and the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces various antitrust and other consumer protection rules against businesses — under direct presidential control. (New York Times)

What does that sound like to you? Hint: “Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by the rejection of political plurality, the use of strong central power to preserve the political status quo, and reductions in the rule of law, separation of powers, and democratic voting” (Wikipedia). And an authoritarian is a short step away from a fascist. You can bet that elections as we know them would cease to exist.

One of the worst parts of all of this is the way the republican party is in lock-step with this wannabe dictator. No one in the party dares to call him out (except Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger) - the bully keeps his flunkeys in line on the playground.

Trump’s own words are a cautionary tale. We cannot let this guy near the White House again. I hate to give him this much credit, but he will destroy our democracy, and that is not an exaggeration. Let’s all do what we can to prevent him from winning any election. Get creative! Make it fun! But don’t forget, this is deadly serious.

Be well, discover awe, find joy.