By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump’s attacks on various institutions have revealed stark contrasts in responses. While some, like several major law firms and Disney, succumbed to pressure, making deals or settling lawsuits, others—including Perkins Coie, Harvard University, and the Associated Press—have resisted and filed lawsuits, prioritizing principles over immediate gain. The actions of Republican lawmakers have also varied widely, with some supporting Trump’s actions while others have shown dissent. Ultimately, history will judge those who chose expediency over courage.
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History will record who stood up—and who rolled over and played dead. This is a stark truth, laid bare by the recent political climate, and echoed throughout history. It’s a question of courage in the face of rising authoritarianism, a test of character played out on a grand, national stage. The sheer number of individuals who voted for a clearly authoritarian candidate reveals a frightening lack of resistance.
Seventy-seven million Americans voted for a path towards dictatorship, a figure that sends chills down the spine. Yet, the unsettling aspect isn’t only the number itself, but the ninety million who remained silent, passively accepting this unfolding scenario. This passivity, this “rolling over and playing dead,” is arguably as significant as the active support for the authoritarian movement. It highlights the dangers of apathy and the corrosive power of complacency.
The silence, however, isn’t absolute. A significant portion of the population—seventy-five million eligible voters—actively opposed the rise of this authoritarianism. This represents a substantial force for good, a powerful pushback against the tide of rising extremism. But even this resistance feels insufficient, highlighting the daunting magnitude of the challenge. The question remains: was this resistance enough? Was it timely enough?
The lack of decisive action within established political institutions is further evidence of the pervasiveness of this paralysis. The failure to even offer mild resistance, as exemplified by the incident during the State of the Union address, exposes a deep-seated fear within the opposing party. It’s a fear that has festered and grown, leaving the party seemingly paralyzed in the face of rising authoritarianism. This lack of backbone extends beyond a single incident, permeating the political landscape and fostering a sense of helplessness.
This inaction reflects a larger societal problem—the bystander effect writ large. Many understand the threat but wait for someone else to take action, hoping to avoid personal risk or inconvenience. This inaction is a breeding ground for the further consolidation of power, a silent acquiescence to the erosion of democratic norms. The fear of retribution, the prioritization of personal comfort over civic duty, are significant factors in this widespread paralysis.
The issue transcends mere political affiliation; it reveals a broader societal failing. Decades of effective right-wing propaganda, coupled with a deliberate dismantling of public education, have created a landscape ripe for exploitation. It’s a climate where factual information is readily dismissed, and outrage and fear become potent political tools. The easy access to misinformation and the prevalence of outrage-fueled echo chambers make it easier than ever before for individuals to slip into complacency and inaction.
Concerns about history being rewritten by those who benefit from the current trajectory are not unfounded. The immense resources and influence wielded by those in power suggest they might easily reshape historical narratives to fit their preferred version of events. The apathy of many allows these powerful figures to operate with little resistance, to manipulate events and control the flow of information with far-reaching consequences.
History has always been written by the victors, but the very notion of victory remains in question. The belief that history will simply and fairly record what happened ignores the subtle yet effective ways in which history can be distorted and controlled. The current situation demands active resistance and the preservation of accurate historical records, to counter the forces attempting to rewrite the past to fit their agenda. If not actively guarded, historical accuracy may become a casualty in the current struggle for the preservation of democracy.
This is not merely about the actions of political figures; it’s about the collective responsibility of citizens to stand up for their ideals. This calls for a renewed focus on education, critical thinking, and active civic engagement, to counter the powerful forces of apathy, misinformation, and authoritarianism. It requires fostering a culture of courage and active participation, where individuals feel empowered to speak truth to power and resist the forces that seek to suppress dissent. The future of democracy may well hinge on the willingness of individuals to confront this challenge with fortitude and resolve.