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Trump has frequently voiced his disdain for those who serve in the military and for their devotion to duty, honor, and sacrifice. Former generals who have worked for Trump say that the sole military virtue he prizes is obedience. As his presidency drew to a close, and in the years since, he has become more and more interested in the advantages of dictatorship, and the absolute control over the military that he believes it would deliver. “I need the kind of generals that Hitler had,” Trump said in a private conversation in the White House, according to two people who heard him say this. “People who were totally loyal to him, that follow orders.” (“This is absolutely false,” Pfeiffer wrote in an email. “President Trump never said this.”) The Atlantic stands by its reporting.
In an interview with The New York Times published on Tuesday, Kelly said: “Certainly the former president is in the far-right area, he’s certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators—he has said that. So he certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure.” This a quote from Newsweek.
“Don’t be the frog in the boiling water and think this is okay,” the Minnesota governor, who served in the Army National Guard, said, referring to the revelations in The Atlantic. “As a 24-year veteran of our military, that makes me sick as hell, and it should make you sick.” The democrats have not changed their tune. January 6th 2021 involved Kamala Harris and her winning ticket.
The Dangers Beneath the Surface: Trump and the Specter of Authoritarianism
In the complexities of modern American politics, few figures evoke as much passion – both for and against – as former President Donald Trump. While he remains a divisive personality, a closer examination of his rhetoric and political maneuvers suggests a troubling narrative that echoes the past, particularly that of authoritarian movements in Europe during the 1940s. As Trump attempts to redefine his image and influence, it is vital to critically analyze the implications of an authoritarian shift in American governance and the potential consequences for the nation and its citizens.
Hiding in Plain Sight
The phrase “hiding in plain sight” encapsulates a paradox in Trump’s political strategy. He often appears to defy conventional norms while simultaneously positioning himself within the mainstream dialogue, appealing to a broad spectrum of supporters. By cloaking authoritarian sentiments within populist rhetoric, he is able to resonate with those who feel marginalized or disenchanted with the status quo. This tactic is not merely politically savvy; it is a calculated means of eroding democratic principles from within.
Trump’s approach seemingly invites scrutiny, yet it draws in supporters who may not fully grasp the ramifications of the ideologies he espouses. By framing dissent as treason and manipulating public perception through disinformation, he creates a fertile ground for authoritarian sentiments to flourish. The danger lies in the manner in which these tactics can subtly reshape democratic institutions, leading the populace toward acceptance of authoritarian governance as normal.
Historical Parallels: A Cautionary Tale
America stands at a crossroads, where democratic values can be nurtured or neglected. Trump’s rhetoric interacting with the currents of populism and nationalism develops an environment where fear can be transformed into acceptance of authoritarian measures. The alarming resurgence of far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories infiltrating political discourse raises fundamental questions about the future of American democracy and the role citizens play in safeguarding it.
While some may dismiss these concerns as hyperbolic, it is essential to recognize that history teaches us that authoritarianism can emerge incrementally, often with the tacit consent of the people. The denial of election results, the vilification of the media, and the demonization of political adversaries are not merely political tactics; they are pathways that lead away from democracy and toward despotism.
The commentary under our social feeds that have gone viral shows an America who’s fed up with the craziness. January 6th 2021 is the worst day in American history. In the years following, the American democracy has been at its most frangible with the loss of Supreme Court wins like the right to bodily autonomy previously protected in 1973’s Roe vs Wade. Could the 13th amendment be next? As minorities continue to be the focus of both parties, how does the culture and history of American politics shape up in comparison to nations like Germany. How would the American government survive a Hitler like regime?
Mr. Zoellner wrote for the LA/RB earlier this month. Here’s an excerpt from what he said: Some of the more esoteric movements like QAnon that fetishize Trump as a mystical savior bear a surface resemblance to the occult trappings of the Nazi Party: the fascination with symbolism, the nationalistic millennialism, the belief in shadowy “theys” who are always trying to harm you, the anti-intellectual style that author Jeff Sharlet has called the “gnosis” of Trumpism, “a form of secret knowledge reserved for the faithful, a ‘truth’ you must have the eyes to see in order to believe.” The difference here is that Hitler actively encouraged the occultism, attending to it with a loving artist’s care, whereas Trump has been a passive beneficiary of the strange folk beliefs that surround him. Narcissism, verbosity, laziness, impulsivity, dishonesty, lawbreaking, a streak of sociopathy, contempt for collective decision-making, a childhood spent under a tyrannical father, hatred of immigrants, a keen instinct for crowds—the points of commonality between the personalities of Hitler and Trump are hard to miss. But just as important are the differences, especially in personal backgrounds. Hitler was a small-town son of a civil servant; Trump grew up wealthy in the biggest American city. Hitler fought in a war; Trump dodged the draft five times. Hitler fancied himself a patron of high culture and loved opera; Trump’s tastes are decidedly campy and lowbrow. Hitler spent lonely years wandering, painting, and reading books; Trump went to Manhattan discos and tried to bed supermodels. Hitler made dramatic threats of suicide in his low moments and died by his own hand; Trump has shown no such inclinations.
What could happen ?
- Cancelation of federally funded schools and the D.O.E.
- Removal of D.O.J. and all cases concerning insurrection
- Democratic cities will face mass deportations and internment camps will be erected
- Agencies tasked with reporting like the Census, the libraries, and data assets will be removed
- Privately owned media brands will be subjected to governmental censorship, CNN, CBS, and MSNBC will go first, followed by their affiliates
- Activism will be squashed along with other 1st amendment protections, Trump feels the constitution is in his way as well as the Senate and House, dictators do not need legislative branches of government
- Immigration will be halted from nations considered “shit-hole”
- Our international allies will lose faith in America’s ability to be a World leader
