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Mom, Apple Pie, and Authoritarianism [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2025-01-24

Since the inception and implementation of the idea of Manifest Destiny became the foundation of America as an imperial state, authoritarianism has ruled the roost. Phrases like the American Way conditioned the new Americans to believe that violent expansion, including enslavement, was a divine right. The near extinction of the Native Americans, slave labor, and even the Mexican-American War of 1846 were extensions of Manifest Destiny. Even the idea of “white” Americans was a new concept meant to homogenize the sense of superiority. Couple that with religious doctrine as validation—Is it any wonder that eventually, America would follow the example of Nazi Germany and elect a fascist.

How that applies to today’s politics is so obvious it should not require explanation, but here goes. The recent pardons of the 1500 rioters, militia members, and insurrectionists who invaded and destroyed historical artifacts and the illusion of solemnity and confidence in the American Way are proof. When push comes to shove, authoritarianism is the solution of choice, not necessity. The Ku Klux Klan was not only protected by so-called white citizens councils, sheriffs, and politicians but was feted by filmmaker DW Griffith with the film The Birth of a Nation. President Woodrow Wilson hosted the film’s screening at the White House, sending an unmistakable message to black Americans.

Americans have been subjected to sing-song chants of Back the Blue and the Thin Blue Line for years. Especially following the disputed deaths of black victims like Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tamir Rice, and many others, the voices of authoritarian rule get louder. Something about the idea of force attracts people looking for an easy answer to injustice. There is a faux outrage currently from many about President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 rioters.

My question is, why?

For the people who voted for him and those who stayed home because (well, because) he told you that he would release these people. The police are the people who practiced the type of authoritarianism they wanted, I thought. Eventually, Americans will turn their heads and move on because Trump has consolidated their fantasy of the ultimate authoritarian. Like most fascist ideologies, the dear leader rules and blocks out all moral and cognitive thoughts. Wrap the feeling of superior authority and race in a package, and you get blatant politicians willing to supersede the Constitution unabashedly. Now that Mr. Trump has co-opted the Supreme Court into giving him the power to commit crimes without consequence, Congress is now jumping into the fray.

Congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) is proposing an amendment allowing a U.S. president to be elected for up to but no more than three terms. Would that not open the door for a return of former President Barack Obama, but wait… Rep. Ogles carefully added the caveat to eliminate any President who previously served two consecutive terms. Unless Grover Cleveland can be reanimated, that would leave only one man eligible: Donald John Trump. Credit to Ogles for not hiding his ambition to change The Constitution in service of Trump, he added in a press release, “Give President Trump a third term!” When the authoritarian hates all the people you hate. Blacks, women, immigrants, and the LGBTQIA community, hmmm, who does that leave? Oh yeah…

Your Vote is Still Your Voice

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