By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The “Big Ugly Bill,” a 940-page piece of legislation, has been passed by the House and is headed to the White House. This bill will dramatically cut Medicaid and Food Stamps while providing tax cuts for the wealthy. It also establishes an anti-immigrant police state and will increase the national debt. Despite being unpopular with the majority of Americans and passing by a narrow margin, the bill’s passage was secured due to Trump’s control over the Republican party and fear of retribution from the former president and his supporters.
Read the original article here
Trump’s Big Ugly Bill Is Fascism in Writing: It establishes an anti-immigrant police state in America, replete with a standing army of ICE agents and a gulag of detention facilities, and it was passed by a narrow margin despite popular opinion. This isn’t just a strong condemnation; it’s a recognition of the stark reality unfolding. The bill, a legislative behemoth, is seen by many as a blueprint for an anti-immigrant police state. It creates a vast infrastructure of control, reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. This includes a massive expansion of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), effectively creating a standing army within the United States, accountable primarily to the executive branch. This goes far beyond border control; it’s a mechanism for widespread surveillance and enforcement.
The “gulag” of detention facilities is another chilling aspect of this legislation. The rapid expansion and increased funding for these facilities point to a deliberate effort to detain a large number of people. The sheer scale implies a system designed to hold individuals for extended periods, raising serious questions about due process and human rights. The conditions within such facilities are also a concern, with potential for overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and inhumane treatment. These are hallmarks of a system designed not just to enforce laws, but to intimidate and control.
The fact that this legislation passed by a narrow margin, despite what is perceived as widespread public opposition, is a significant cause for concern. This indicates a disconnect between the will of the people and the actions of their elected officials. It raises questions about the influence of special interests, the manipulation of public opinion, and the integrity of the democratic process. The narrow passage of the bill suggests that the forces behind it are willing to push through unpopular measures, even at the expense of public trust and social cohesion.
This bill, as many see it, is a clear demonstration of America veering towards fascism. It’s a system of government characterized by centralization of authority, a capitalist economy subject to governmental control, suppression of opposition, and belligerent nationalism and racism. This is not a subtle shift; it’s a dramatic departure from the principles of a free and open society. The bill is funded by gutting the safety net and inflating the deficit, a further indication that this shift is not a product of sound economic principles. It’s a power grab. The establishment of this new military that is only reporting to the president is also concerning, and is just another piece of the puzzle in this anti-democratic scheme. The ICE budget comparable with the Israel defense spending is also incredibly suspect.
The creation of a new ICE regime, coupled with the dismantling of social safety nets, paints a grim picture of the country. The rise of such a regime requires an army of willing enforcers and compliant citizens, easily swayed by propaganda, which may be the most alarming aspect of all. The ease with which people are seemingly willing to sacrifice their own well-being, and the well-being of others, in the name of a political ideology is truly terrifying. They are “dying to own the libs,” even at their own expense. The vote on this bill feels like a turning point, one where America, whether it realizes it or not, chose fascism.
This bill is a threat not only to immigrants, but to the very fabric of American democracy. It’s a move towards a government that could easily target any group deemed undesirable, including political opponents. The expansion of ICE’s power, coupled with the potential for detention without due process, creates a chilling effect on free speech and assembly. This creates a scenario where citizens live in fear of an organization meant to serve and protect but is, in this case, being utilized as a tool for oppression.
The rhetoric surrounding this bill is another cause for alarm. The dehumanization of immigrants, the constant drumbeat of fear-mongering, and the celebration of the bill’s passage all point to a dangerous ideological shift. This is not a system that respects dissent, nor does it value diverse points of view. Rather, it seeks to silence opposition and enforce a narrow vision of what America should be.
The path America is on requires a strong response from its citizens. It requires not just a recognition of the threat, but also a commitment to resist it. History has shown that authoritarian regimes can be overcome, but it requires courage, solidarity, and unwavering belief in the principles of democracy. Remember that East Germany was oppressed by their authoritarian government but then its government was toppled by its own people. That is the kind of strength that is needed here. We must actively resist, and not allow our democracy to wither away. The fight is not easy, and it will take a long time, but it is a fight that is worth having. We must not cede our power and let this system win. The key is a grassroots movement, such as FIRE, to combat these dangerous actions.