By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University doctoral student, was abducted by unidentified individuals and imprisoned by ICE in Louisiana for allegedly supporting Hamas. Her “crime” was co-authoring an op-ed advocating for Tufts University to divest from companies linked to Israel, an action that brought her to the attention of Canary Mission, an organization that blacklists critics of Israeli policies. This incident, along with similar cases targeting Palestinian rights activists, highlights a pattern of state-sponsored repression and the criminalization of dissent under the Trump administration. The use of extrajudicial tactics, reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes, underscores a broader assault on free speech and democratic norms.
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Amid state abductions, Trump’s fascism is no longer creeping—it’s here. The sheer audacity of the actions, the blatant disregard for the rule of law, paints a terrifying picture of a regime actively consolidating power. We’re not talking about subtle shifts in policy or rhetoric anymore; we’re seeing the systematic dismantling of democratic norms and institutions. The casual disregard for judicial orders, the willful deportation of individuals with valid legal protection, these are not isolated incidents; they are hallmarks of a fascist state in its full, horrifying bloom.
The scale of the problem demands urgent and multifaceted action. Boycotts, while impactful, are not a silver bullet. They are a valuable tool in applying economic pressure, but they must be coupled with more direct forms of resistance. The idea of simply saving money and withholding financial support from companies complicit in the administration’s policies needs to be amplified, extended and widely adopted. This isn’t just about targeting specific companies; it’s about making a statement, sending a clear message that complicity will have consequences.
Getting the word out is equally critical. While online echo chambers can be comforting, tangible, real-world activism is essential. Putting oneself out there, visibly opposing the regime through demonstrations, protests, and public displays of dissent is a powerful, irreplaceable act of resistance. This isn’t about social media clout; it’s about claiming public space, occupying the narrative, and defying the administration’s attempt to control the flow of information and suppress opposition.
Securing our elections should be a paramount concern. With the potential for widespread voter suppression and manipulation already looming, ensuring fair and transparent elections is non-negotiable. This means tireless vigilance, proactive monitoring, and actively working to protect voting rights, prevent fraud, and guarantee fair access to the ballot box for all. The very foundation of our democracy is under attack.
The specter of a general strike looms large. If the administration resorts to extreme measures such as martial law, mass arrests, or a media blackout, a general strike could be the only viable means of effectively resisting and demonstrating the depth of public opposition. Such a drastic measure might be the only tool left to halt the erosion of fundamental rights and liberties. It’s a measure of last resort, but one that should be seriously considered and prepared for.
Building community is crucial for survival in these dire times. We cannot fight this battle alone. Finding like-minded individuals, creating support networks, and fostering a sense of solidarity are essential for maintaining resilience and hope. The strength of the movement lies in its ability to connect and organize, fostering collective action and mutual support in the face of oppression.
The claim that this is simply a continuation of pre-existing problems, that minorities have always faced such treatment, is a dangerous and misleading narrative. The current situation is qualitatively different; the intensity, the scale, and the blatant violation of laws and norms represent a dramatic escalation. This is not about incremental change; it’s about a fundamental assault on the very fabric of society.
The narrative that “if you ignore it, it will get better by itself” is a dangerous fallacy. The current situation is a full-scale assault on democracy. The administration’s actions are not random; they represent a calculated and deliberate attempt to seize power and consolidate control. Complacency is a luxury we can no longer afford.
We are faced with a stark choice: accept the new normal or fight back. The risks are immense, but the cost of inaction is far greater. The urgency is palpable; the fight is now. This is not a creeping threat; it is a full-blown assault on our values and the very foundation of our way of life. We must act, decisively and unitedly, to defend our democracy before it is too late.