The Urgent Need to Confront the Threat Against Democracy
Written on
In the aftermath of the troubling 2016 election, many of us engaged in discussions about how nearly half the nation had been misled by a con artist. We believed that eventually, our fellow citizens would awaken to the grave mistake they had made. While no one wanted to say "I told you so," it felt like a foregone conclusion that things would change.
We envisioned ourselves as gracious victors, condescendingly assuming that our friends and family had fallen victim to the deceit of a second-rate trickster from Queens. Surely, they would come to see him for what he truly was and regain their senses. We didn't anticipate apologies; we thought that society would revert to the status quo and democracy would prevail, as it had in the past.
Tim Nichols expressed a similar sentiment in The Atlantic: "In 2016, I believed that good people were making a mistake. In 2023, I cannot dismiss their choices as mere mistakes. Instead, I accept and respect the human agency that has led Trump supporters to their current choices. I believe that today’s Trump supporters are making a conscious, knowing, and morally flawed choice to continue supporting a sociopath and a party chock-full of seditionists."
Fascism has never been a sustainable method for achieving life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's akin to the absence of success stories related to addiction. The initial high is always followed by a debilitating crash, and the aftermath is often dire. Once one embarks on that path, it's nearly impossible to return to where they began. It’s best not to engage with it at all.
A Party in Disarray
While I lack empirical evidence, my personal observations indicate that most Republicans do not actively engage with political issues or seek to understand government operations. They are partisan supporters, committed to their chosen side without a grasp of policy discussions. Their motivations are largely driven by fear rather than ideology, knowing only why they oppose the other party.
I categorize the contemporary Republican Party into four groups:
Political Operatives: These professional Republicans profit from the party's success and are separated from ordinary voters. While some may truly believe in their cause, many are pragmatic operatives aiming to replace democracy with single-party rule. Their strategies lack ideological backing, focusing solely on power retention. To them, Trump is a useful figure whose unpredictability serves their interests.
Delusional Fanatics: This group is wholly devoted to the cult of personality surrounding Trump. They adorn their vehicles and homes with symbols of their allegiance, indifferent to his actual beliefs. Trump represents a grievance culture that seeks retribution against the "elite," embodying whatever they desire him to be.
Tribal Partisans: Many Americans are apolitical yet deeply partisan. They align with a side without understanding the intricacies of politics. These low-information voters often support Democratic policies more than they realize.
White Christian Nationalists: A vocal faction of the electorate seeks to reshape the Constitution to restore a white, Christian-centric America. Their motivations aren't purely religious; rather, they reflect a defensive posture against perceived cultural decline. They fear losing influence and advocate for a moral framework rooted in a medieval understanding of Christianity.
Traditional Conservatives: Genuine conservatives have become a rarity in American politics. The fiscal policies once championed have proven ineffective, and the electorate increasingly favors social programs. Voters demand accessible healthcare, social security, and gun control, leaning toward a live-and-let-live philosophy.
The remnants of the party are left with a hollow social conservatism that manifests as blind hatred. In their desperation, they seek to vilify anyone who diverges from their narrow worldview.
Unwitting Accessories
The Republicans portrayed in media do not reflect the broader party consensus. Those who openly endorse bigotry or authoritarianism are not the majority. Most Americans are simply navigating their daily lives, drawn in by nostalgic notions of a simpler time. While not entirely blameless, they are largely unwitting accomplices in a larger scheme. They may be driving the getaway car without realizing the magnitude of the crime.
This does not absolve them; willful ignorance makes one complicit, even if they do not actively participate in wrongdoing.
A Fundamental Threat
The widespread ignorance regarding the structure of our government among Americans can no longer be dismissed as mere apathy. This lack of awareness, coupled with blind partisanship, poses a serious threat to democracy—both nationally and globally. If America falters, the repercussions will resonate worldwide.
To safeguard democracy, we must confront every individual who is not actively supporting the Democratic Party as a threat to the country’s safety and sovereignty. This assertion may sound extreme, but passive participation is no longer an option in this struggle for survival.
Embrace Citizenship Over Fandom
It’s imperative to remind our fellow citizens of what is at stake. If you wonder why Democrats are not actively demanding change, consider that many are also disengaged, lacking a clear understanding of what they are fighting for. Disillusionment prevails, as many believe the system primarily caters to the wealthy.
The analogy of sports fandom is apt: cheering for a winning team brings no tangible benefit to the supporter. The wealth generated remains with the players and owners, leaving the fans without recognition or reward.
Trading One Oligarch for Another
In the 1982 film "Gandhi," the young leader addresses a group of wealthy elites, emphasizing that their discussions mean little to the masses. He articulates that genuine politics revolves around the basic needs of the people, not the interests of a select few.
Like those in Gandhi's time, many voters today feel disconnected from their government, viewing it as a collection of wealthy individuals pursuing their own interests. The political landscape has been so corrupted by corporate influence that elected officials prioritize donors over constituents.
While a moderate approach is often touted as essential for unity, it primarily serves the interests of the corporate elite who desire stability. Policies beneficial to everyday Americans frequently clash with corporate profit motives, creating a disconnect between government actions and the electorate's needs.
What Are You Prepared to Do?
In "The Untouchables," Officer Jimmy Malone challenges Federal Agent Elliot Ness about his commitment to justice. The exchange highlights the necessity for resolute action in the face of adversity.
Many Democrats express fear about the potential consequences of the new MAGA Republican Party but lack the determination to counteract it effectively. If trivial matters become distractions from the fight, we cannot hope to prevail against those seeking to dismantle democracy.
This is not a trivial contest; the stakes are high. We must acknowledge that a cold civil war is underway, and our response must reflect the seriousness of the situation. The question remains: what are you prepared to do?