Robert Reich's newsletter on Aug. 14, 2023 gives an informative video...
The biggest story about Trump’s indictments (including the one expected this week from Georgia) is that Trump is centering his entire presidential campaign on them — and along the way is seeking to meld his identity with those of his supporters, so they feel personally attacked by the prosecutions.
"For Trump supporters, this is not rallying-around-the-flag. It’s not even rallying-around-a-former-
The philosopher Hannah Arendt has pointed out that the fascist leader fuses his identity with his followers, so that followers lose their capacities for independent thought.
As the fascist leader takes over the factual, psychological, and moral premises of the world his followers inhabit, the followers relinquish their freedoms. They suspend critical judgment. They become automatons.
Be warned. What Trump and much of the Republican Party have embarked upon is as dangerous to the future of our democracy, and to the rest of the world that looks to America for leadership, as was Trump’s attempted coup leading up to January 6, 2021.
We need to get the word out.
I recently shared with you what I consider the five core elements of fascism, and why fascism is different from authoritarianism. I argued that Trump and the Republican Party are moving rapidly toward fascism, and I urged the media to use the term “fascist” rather than “authoritarian” to describe what Trump and his GOP are up to."
Trump should never be allowed to run for any office! Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteIf your words only were law.
DeleteI consider this a most credible and frightening scenario, one that is also attempted or already enacted (Italy) in several European countries by populist/right wing/Neo Nazi groups and parties/leaders.
ReplyDeleteSo much so that we are - somewhat but not entirely jokingly - beginning to discuss boltholes, escape routes etc. as we are a family with several nationalities and racial backgrounds.
Oh that's so sad, though not surprising. I'm too old to take off to safer places, and hope to spend the rest of my days where I am...though if health deteriorates I'd like to move closer to one of my families. I remember how the women's march, and "resist" were so important when Trump was president. It is unlikely to be so again...sadly enough.
DeleteIt really is shocking what they are letting him do. I read about this. I just wish they'd take him off in handcuffs and share his perp walk, and booking photos. We have such ignorance here, as well, in our Opposition Leader, who has been hanging out with Convoy Protestors.
ReplyDeleteAmen sisteh! This lawlessness has got to stop.
DeleteThe law may yet perservere. It is shocking to me to have so many people identify with him, thanks to his lies.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, What a sad choice we face at this point. A doddering old man (Same age as myself) who has been part of the ineffective Federal government for many years representing a party that will do anything to buy loyalty from their voters or a narcissi sociopath who is all about himself and is a would be Dictator like his idol, Putin. Not a great outlook for the USA...and our enemies have to love it! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteOur political system is certainly in the tank.
DeleteHe is a monster.
ReplyDelete