By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Democratic strategy should focus on highlighting the consequences of the government shutdown, emphasizing both job cuts and the controversial figure of Vought. Democrats should draw parallels to the unpopular DOGE initiative, emphasizing the potentially more devastating impact of the shutdown on federal employees, with an estimated 750,000 being furloughed. Furthermore, it is crucial to educate Americans about Vought’s Christian nationalist ideology and views, which are considered un-American due to their potential violation of constitutional principles, particularly the separation of church and state.
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Memo to Future Historians: This Is Fascism, and Millions of Us See It – From Chicago to Portland, James Comey to Letitia James, and so much else—this is no longer America.
The question of how a nation could succumb to figures like Hitler or Stalin has lost its mystery. We now have the answers, and they are unsettlingly clear. The warning signs have been there, voiced as early as 2016. Even historians specializing in fascism recognized the shift, formalizing the diagnosis in 2021. The truth, once buried, is now unavoidable: millions see what’s happening.
While the idea of a radical change is appealing, the reality is more complex. The United States has been teetering on the edge of, or at least flirting with, certain aspects of fascism for a long time. This unfolding narrative is predictable, though perhaps slower than some anticipated. The suppression of dissenting voices isn’t happening through brute force, but through a calculated strategy of control, like ownership of media outlets by individuals with specific political allegiances. This tactic mirrors historical patterns, emphasizing the subtle yet effective nature of fascist strategies.
The acquisition of prominent media outlets by figures aligned with certain ideologies is a clear example of this pattern. The purchase of CBS, followed by reported bids to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, including CNN, illustrates a consolidation of power that impacts the flow of information and public perception. The search for reliable information becomes increasingly difficult, as alternative viewpoints are marginalized or absorbed. This shift is not just about partisan politics; it’s a deliberate strategy to reshape the narrative and control the historical record. The parallels with fascist ideologies of the 1930s are undeniable, and the implications for future generations are profound.
It’s important to acknowledge a crucial point: the United States, with its history of interventionism, hypocrisy, and authoritarian tendencies, has always harbored the seeds of what we see today. The current events are not a sudden anomaly but a continuation of a long-standing pattern of internal violence and external projection. The “THIS IS NO LONGER AMERICA” sentiment, while understandable, misses this crucial historical context.
The hypocrisy, corruption, and manipulative tactics have always been present. Those who have historically experienced marginalization have always known. Now, the majority is finally confronting the reality. The global community observes the US grappling with its own contradictions. The embrace of anti-fascism as a terrorist group by some is a key indicator. The call to action is not about exceptionalism but about acknowledging mistakes and addressing them directly.
The temptation to surrender is not an option. The situation is severe, but it is not beyond redemption. The cancer has been detected early enough to potentially be removed. Confronting the reality of this moment, including having difficult conversations, is vital. The fight for the future of America requires difficult choices and challenging uncomfortable truths. The choice is clear: to fight for America or to allow outside forces to dictate the direction of humanity.
The most disheartening aspect is the seeming acceptance of fascism by a significant portion of the American population. The current state of affairs, the erosion of democratic principles, and the dismantling of core values that once defined the nation are evident, but it’s not enough to move people to action. There is a growing sense that a civil conflict, one unlike previous ones, is brewing. It won’t be confined to the battlefield, as this will involve straight-up violence.
The irony of a history class focusing on checks and balances within a system that is systematically dismantling them is striking. This underscores the idea that the current political reality is a distortion of what America was supposed to be. The nation’s history is not a story of pure freedom, but a narrative built upon oppression, hypocrisy, and violence. The history of America is one of internment camps, eugenics, forced sterilization, the mistreatment of Native Americans, the exploitation of workers, and more. The use of state violence and the manipulation of democratic processes are a betrayal of the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
America’s historical transgressions – from slavery and police brutality to the destabilization of foreign governments – reveal a consistent pattern of authoritarianism and disregard for human rights. The insidious nature of this shift lies in its gradual erosion of democratic norms, often masked by patriotic rhetoric. Recognizing that the current situation is not an anomaly but a consequence of the path America has always been on is critical.
The claim that antifa is the enemy, is a blatant misrepresentation of facts. This is the true manifestation of MAGA’s vision of “making America great again.” The current situation is the consequence of electing individuals who were not qualified to lead, and the apathy of those who didn’t take their civic duties seriously.
The choice not to elect a candidate who could have prevented the current trajectory has led to a cascade of negative consequences. The reliance on flawed information, combined with a lack of civic engagement, has created a situation where the principles of democracy are actively being undermined. Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny” offers insights into how to resist the creeping authoritarianism.
While some view James Comey’s actions as a byproduct of the prevailing misogyny, it is clear that the essence of democracy in the United States is fading away. The question of why this is happening comes down to a failure of common sense. The seeds of fascism reside in the hearts of one’s neighbors, friends, and family. And the rise of this needs to be confronted, or it will spread.