We are going down a familiar path that has been tread in other times and other places. Trouble is – many of the current pathfinders have no idea where it leads. Enough of them do not care exactly where it leads if they can say they are benefitting from the journey. They trust the Leader of the PAC to get them to a promised land at the end of the journey. Thus, no matter what that Leader says or does, they give him their loyalty, their fealty, and their very souls because they believe fervently that his promises and desires are theirs as well. Without him, there is no pathway for their hopes.
He is their common source of hope for a future that puts
them in charge, which affirms their lives, but that has no place for people who
are foreign beings to them, like immigrants, non-whites, gay people, the
vulnerable and disabled, Jews, Muslims, and politicians who ignore them or fail
to take them seriously. They know – in their heart-of-hearts – that Donald
Trump’s destiny is theirs as well.
January 6, 2021 -- is their defining moment when their Leader
summoned them to perform an action that would supposedly undo a certified
election and restore their Leader to his so-called ‘rightful place’ as the sole
enlightened Head of an America made Great Again: militarily stronger than ever;
freed from socialism, Nancy Pelosi and other Dems, from Mike Pence the traitor,
and from the restrictions of non-violent protest. They responded by the thousands and overran
our Capitol, seeking not only to destroy symbols of a Socialist agenda, but to do
violence – to kill -- those who represented their foes.
That date marks the one time in American history where a
defeated incumbent president fomented an armed insurrection against his
legitimately elected challenger. It also marked the first time in American
history that citizens came to Washington DC to physically attack their nation’s
Capitol building and its elected congressional occupants. But it was not the
first time in recorded history that white supremacists, Nazis and Fascists had
attacked a legitimate government.
Unfortunately, the
lessons of history have been lost or ignored by a large enough portion of Trump
supporters and fascist sympathizers to threaten the continuation of our experiment
in representative democracy that has been the hallmark of this relatively young
and vigorous nation. Instead, we are on a path to a fascist dictatorship that
will bring an end to our constitutional democracy.
And what are those lessons of history that teach us to be
wary and to resist with all possible might the denizens of fascist ideology?
Let us limit this particular inquiry to one dictator who
represents parallels that must not be ignored, contained in an article from
2017 by Mark Bickhard, Henry
R. Luce Professor in Cognitive Robotics and the Philosophy of Knowledge in the
Department of Psychology at Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA). Bickhard introduces parallels between Trump and
Benito Mussolini with this statement:
“Comparisons between Trump(ism) and Fascism have become
frequent, and with good reason. These comparisons are strongest between Trump
and Mussolini — stronger than with Hitler and Nazi-ism. Detailed comparisons
are difficult for at least two reasons: 1) the historical circumstances are
quite different and 2) Fascism was never a coherent political theory or
philosophy, but, instead, was a populist and nationalist development in Italy
that Mussolini did not create but did take over." Bickhard goes on to say:
“A
comparison between Trump and Mussolini in terms of character and
style…is frighteningly strong — and does give some guidance concerning
future concerns. This comparison is based primarily on quotes from a book about
Mussolini by R.J.B. Bosworth (2010), written without comparisons to Trump in
mind.
Bickhard begins with a commonality of arrogant ignorance and
incoherence:
“…critical contemporaries noticed the fluctuations in
Mussolini’s ideas and the way he preferred to avoid in-depth conversations,
sometimes excusing himself by saying that the details should be left to the
experts. Here, they discerned, was a leader more interested in imposing his
will than in harmonizing his attitudes or policies. Here was a politician more
interested in seeming to know than in knowing.” pg. 142
“He understood that a totalitarian dictator had to be, or
to seem to be, expert in everything.” pg. 177
“Cowing the press was only one part of building a
totalitarian dictatorship.” pg. 177
“The real novelty of his ambition lay in his pretensions
to enter the hearts and minds of his subjects, and so install Fascism as a
political religion.” pg. 177
“ ‘Reactionary dictators are men of no philosophy, no
burning humanitarian ideal, nor even an economic program of any value to their
nation or the world. [George Seldes]’ They were ‘gangsters’ more than anything
else.” pg. 246
One striking detailed similarity: Mussolini appointed his
son-in-law as foreign minister. e.g., pg. 254
Mussolini was infamous for his ultra-thin skin:
“… he would flick through the French press and grow
enraged at any criticism of Italy and himself.” pg. 272
“… there were few things which annoyed Mussolini
more than overt criticism.” pg. 276. “This emotion [anger] had always
been a prominent part of the Duce’s reaction to life .…” pg. 280
Trump and Mussolini share thin-skinned ignorance combined with
arrogant contempt:
“The Duce’s version of permanent revolution, it was
increasingly plain, was more a story of his own permanent sense that the rest
of humankind was not made in his own image (an arrogance which only partially
cloaked his own sense of inadequacy …).” pg. 282
“In his diary, Bottai depicted…a ‘man of the banner
headline’ at heart…bored by detail or discussion and preferring to ‘let things
run of their own accord’.” pg. 302
“… the Duce’s reaction… was, ‘if things go well,
take the credit; and, if they go badly… blame others. This…had become the real
meaning of the formula: ‘Mussolini is always right.’ ” pg. 303
The following speaks for itself, and speaks volumes:
From A.J.P. Taylor, quoted in Bosworth: “Everything about
Fascism was a fraud. The social peril from which it saved Italy was a fraud;
the revolution by which it seized power was a fraud; the ability and policy of
Mussolini were fraudulent. Fascist rule was corrupt, incompetent, empty;
Mussolini himself a vain, blundering boaster without either ideas or aims.”
pg. 344
Here from a different book, Mussolini
and Italian Fascism (2008), by Giuseppe Finaldi:
“…as it developed in 1920-2, the ingredient that was
(almost) unique to Fascism and which gave it an edge over traditional patriotic
parties was its willingness to employ violence for political ends. Its ability
to give a semblance of political coherence and a plausible set of symbolic
reference points to what was essentially reactionary vigilantism allowed the
process of law and the functioning of democracy … to be sidestepped with
panache.” (pg. 37)
“Just as Mussolini took over the Fascist movement, Trump
is exploiting and taking over the ultra-nationalism/alt-right movements. These
are the power bases for two dictatorial personalities.”
“Violence is central to the history of all of these
movements, and both Hitler and Mussolini came to their dictatorial powers via a
relatively singular act of violence: the Reichstag fire for Hitler and the
Fascist march on Rome for Mussolini.”
Can we also say that the January 6th insurrection is such an
event for Trump? Yes, but we must be clear that the January 6th
insurrection was also the initiator of domestic
terrorist violence being planned for near future overthrow of the Biden
administration.
“We have already seen major attacks by Trump on the
judiciary, the press, and moves to undermine and take over the institutions of
public safety. The seditious partisanship of the Republicans in Congress
ensures that the legislative branch will not be a check — unless that blind
support is somehow itself horribly dangerous historical background. Trump may
(or may not) be too ignorant to know of that background, but his inner circle
most certainly knows of it, and intends it in full. And, of course, all of this
is in addition to the subversion of American democracy and of the Trump
administration by Putin’s Russia.”
Because I have already commented
several times (see 11/20 & 23/2016; 7/9/2017; 1/13/2019; 2/29/2020; and
2/20/2019 for an early prediction of Trump coup attempt) on the similar pattern
behind such fascist-like movements, I will not attempt to name further
parallels other than those with Mussolini. The warning signs along the path to destruction
of our democracy by followers of a self-anointed Leader like Trump should be
crystal clear. (I have warned readers regarding
Donald Trump, and even opined that “the
Donald” was well on his way to illustrating fascist characteristics even before he was sworn in as
president -- “Fourteen Reasons to be Anti-Trump” – parts I and II – 11/21 &
11/23/2016). Yet, it has taken an
inordinate amount of time for leaders, officials and commentators to call Trump
exactly what he is: a fascist dictator-type intent on taking over the absolute powers
of despotic governing through violent means if necessary.
One man’s belief in his own infallibility means all his
followers are by definition, plain dupes.
One man’s total arrogance leaves no room for others’
opinions, feelings, circumstances or welfare
One man’s inability to be wrong means someone must take the
blame for his screw-ups; sometimes who ever happens to be nearest the center of
power or those with certain characteristics such as dark skin or an Eastern
religion
One who believes he
has all the answers to every question, issue or problem has no regard for facts
or science, the arts or the humanities, or for laws; and those who labor in
those fields must produce praise not criticism for the Leader or they become
his enemies
One who believes himself to be the
center of the universe has no concept of family – whether biological,
community, state or nation as family-like, except as a proving ground for the
strict father who rules all things and trains children (and Citizens) to be
obedient, responsible, superior, and prosperous.
Those who continue to coddle and
support Donald Trump in his ascendancy toward dictatorship deserve everything
that comes their way, and it will just as it already has:
--millions of unnecessary deaths
from COVID 19 because of incompetent administration of Trump-run government and
arrogance toward science and scientists
--erosion of rights like the attack on voters, on freedom of
the press, freedom of religion and right
to address grievances with government not only by protests across the country
being put down by police and national guard, but by the almost total obliteration
of consumer advocacy boards
--health care for millions threatened by lack of competent
research, analysis, and policy proposals that would enhance healthcare, but
rather by overt and covert opposition in Court and executive management to a
system (ACA) already in place and working.
--Planned intentional abuse of children at southern border,
and by budget cuts and destructive policies toward public education and special
needs of children
--policies implemented to punish democrats and independent
progressives will eventually work
against the Far Right, like tax cuts that fade out by 2025, or private school
vouchers, or lack of foreign workers who took on jobs most Americans were not
doing, or privatization of schools, prisons, and other government operations.
--the attempted punishment of one group that ends up hurting
the Trump base, like sending criminal elements to sanctuary cities where Trump
supporters also live
--ending voting as we know it, by placing restrictive
measures on groups that tend to vote democratic will eventually lead to removal
of that inconvenient process for all, including Trumpers, as the wannabe
dictator decides it is time to seize absolute control.
And that’s not all, because Social Security, Medicare and
Medicaid have already been mentioned as targets; as have those who administer
or who undergo abortions; those who seek gun controls; those who support gay
marriages; those who do not support Trump foreign policy.
Violence is endemic to fascism and will become chaotic and
warlike; criticism is anathema and will bring repercussions; disloyalty will be
found in ways unimaginable right now; incarceration will explode as new enemies
are defined and tracked down; and the old beliefs will come under criticism as
though they are harmful – like teaching certain subjects or saying certain
words, or working for oneself and family without due homage in the form of
payments and bribes…
We are on a path to destruction that should have been learned
from history but evidently has not as cultist worship of the new Il Duce, the
rejuvenated Hitler, the envier of dictators has not waned among his dupes. Like
the German people of the 1920s and 30s, they have been bamboozled by horrendous
falsehoods;, false assumptions, false promises and false hopes. They have been
led to a false conclusion that lies are truth and that taking power is the goal
for which we should strive. There is no mention of public service, family
values, equal rights or justice. There’s only talk of a strong Leader (FUHRER)
who will lead us to a promised land.
The wanderers down this path have no understanding of the
fraud, the criminality, and the brainwashing they have supported and will have
to endure for they have chosen to ignore the teachings of history. Arrogance,
self-worship, absolute power, segregation of groups, and criminality are not
the builders of family, community, democratic government or of paradise.
Read the signs – they are trying to warn us of what is to
come!
What is most troubling is that Republicans have worked for
many years to close certain doors to prevent effective counteractions against
this takeover of democracy. Those doors are fast closing and will be finally
locked in 2022 and 2024, as the radical Republicans take full advantage of the
operations in which they have engaged, ever since Barry Goldwater became their
presidential candidate in 1964. They have:
--undermined the political power
of labor
--placed restrictions on groups
that usually vote for Democrats, thus reducing the total popular vote providing
better chances for gaining blocs of state Electoral College votes
--formed groups and organizations aimed
at the spread of common talking points that are
pure propaganda
--brought together wealthy and
powerful sponsors in regular meetings to strategize on winning votes and
supporting candidates
--packed the Supreme Court and
lower courts with Trump sympathizers
--emphasized the winning of state
houses, state legislatures and the packing of the courts along with local
community offices of all kinds
--perhaps most importantly, they
captured the process of drawing congressional districts every ten years
according to census numbers, which in 2020 they truncated by having control in
the states and districts which enabled them to control re-districting
commissions and census processes
HOWEVER, none of these traditional
methods may work without massive efforts to out-perform anything ever done along
these lines. And that is probably not going to happen in 2022 during a
non-presidential election. We are left with challenges that may be daunting -- the
challenges of innovation and creativity. What can Democrats and Progressive creatively
and effectively do to win the House and Senate majorities?
--keep going to court to sanction
Republican lawyers and to object to unfair and untenable district
gerrymandering?
--continue ”field hearings” by
congressional committees?
--train our own poll watchers?
--run great candidates for local
and state offices?
--practice targeted vote-getting
in every race?
--go into the streets to recruit
new voters from targeted groups?
--convince more corporations to
withdraw federal support for people and entities that support voting
restrictions and/or despotic actions?
--know how many votes are usually
needed to win a local or state office and target the pledging of that many
votes (plus a 5% margin)?
--go after the youth vote in high
schools and colleges; as well as in youth ‘hangouts’ for every office at every
level?
--find pockets of unregistered or
inactive voters and target them for registration voting?
--get local non-profit agencies
involved in registering voters?
--do something unexpected like
taking local redistricting commissions to court for unfair practices; or,
giving away free ice cream to children who show up at an ice cream truck with a
parent who doesn’t vote ? (it’s not a quid pro quo or incentive since the
recipient of the free ice cream is not a voter)
--use places as registration
venues that most likely have a clientele that rarely votes?
--support federal actions to
investigate Republican efforts to overturn election results (as in Arizona), to
pass election reform measures, to render the Electoral College useless, to undo
the Senate filibuster and to find ways to use
(or not to provide) federal money to penalize anti-democracy forces, and
support the removal of GOP co-conspirator, Joe Manchin, from all Senate
committee assignments along with reducing his staff/office budget?
Remember, this is not a normal time for soliciting votes or doing campaigning – it demands new strategies to defeat the anti-democracy fanatics and to demand accountability for their illegal acts and for the promulgation of harmful false information. Planning for the elections of 2022 must happen now because there is no greater issue than the maintenance of our democratic system. The violent domestic terrorists of the Far Right are intent on seizing power, and they will be enabled to do so if they are met by inaction and complacency from democrats, progressives and independents.
ADD ONs:
After finishing this post, other thoughts came forth of actions that are already happening or planned in relation to voting restrictions and other matters. Maybe a broader application is needed, for example:
--how about emulation of Texas Democrats bringing concerns to D.C.; are there other government and non-government groups who can do the same?
