For many who came to the shores of America, it was the land of possible milk and honey. For others who came as slaves, it eventually became the land of freedom and opportunity. Today, change is blowing in the wind.
Many forget that Adolf Hitler was initially voted into power. He championed retribution and redress in a quest to “Make Germany Great Again†following World War I. Goosestep by goosestep, decree by decree, he strutted forward in creating a fascist regime designed to cleanse society of what he viewed as undesirable and evil components.
Fascist leadership has common characteristics. A scapegoat class is created and called derogatory names, such as incompetent or disloyal, especially if one is not Anglo-Saxon or of a particular faith. They are also subjected to arrest, surveillance and torture by a suddenly activated national police force. My parents fled Germany under these conditions and my grandmother didn't make it. She was whisked off a departing boat and sent to the Riga Kaiserwald Concentration Camp for execution.
As noted by Yale Professor Timothy Snyder, “under strongman rule, you cannot trust your colleagues or your friends or even your family. Political fear not only takes away all public space; it also corrupts all private relationships. And soon it consumes your thoughts. If you cannot say what you think, you lose track of what you believe. You cease to be yourself.â€
Fascism has other key features. Schools, universities and museums are targeted to only portray justification of the dictator’s beliefs. History is suppressed and respect for others is replaced by individualized righteousness. People become targeted for speaking out publicly or even privately, since everything becomes closely monitored. Arrangements are made for the regime to become financial and political partners with big businesses, especially those involved with sensitive information.
Finally, everybody except the dictator, the family and loyal associates, becomes poorer. This occurs by dissolving key public oversight, dismantling the justice system and dissolving the public social safety net that provides life-line services for food, clothing, health services and habitable housing.
All of this paves the way for basic changes in society. As Snyder predicts, “The new bureaucrats will have no sense of accountability. Basic government functions will break down. Citizens who want access will learn to pay bribes. Bureaucrats in office thanks to patronage will be corrupt, and citizens will be desperate. Quickly the corruption becomes normal, even unquestioned.â€
For now, the question about what is to be done is on the table for public awareness and discussion. This nation has a great history and great potential. The question, as it is raised in Robert Frost’s poem, is whether we can continue on our current path, or are we headed for the road not yet taken. This discussion is significant and will shape the nation’s future. Are we prepared for the consequences of the choice we make? Those who believe in the American Dream must come together and take a stand now while they still can.
John David is a Gazette-Mail contributing columnist.Â
