American fascism starts in places like Montana
Popular movements usually have a basis in real concerns and grievances among segments of the population. MAGA is no different and Montana Republicans have made it clear they are part of this movement. But such movements are susceptible to takeover by demagogues and authoritarians. Now, many authorities characterize today’s Republican Party as essentially an anti-democratic, extremist movement operating like a personality cult to a corrupt demagogue.
Some, including former senior Republicans, refer instead to Trump and MAGA as an “autocratic movement.” Others use “totalitarian,” “neo-fascist,” or “illiberal,” the term often used to describe Victor Orban’s Hungarian dictatorship. The Economist refers to this type of movement worldwide as “national conservatism.” But all agree that what these movements have in common is that they are anti-democratic.
Welcome to American fascism, by whatever term you prefer. Montana Republicans are a part of this movement. They exhibit this by unequivocally supporting its leader and refusing to speak out against his lies and incessant attacks on American democracy. It is sad.
The term “fascism” includes the central idea of “the other,” found throughout totalitarian movements. These are people who are deemed “different” or otherwise disloyal to the movement. Examples have included Christians and various “enemies of the people” in early Soviet Russia, and Jews, Roma, and Slavs under the Nazis and Italian Fascists.
Donald Trump’s movement has many “others”: Immigrants – especially brown and black people and Muslims – LGBTQ individuals, liberals, women’s rights supporters, Democrats, librarians, history teachers, government employees, supporters of fair elections, judges, election workers and so on.
It is a long list.
Trump and his allies promise “revenge and retribution” against these people, typical of fascism, and locking them up or deporting them.
Republicans have also worked diligently to seize control of the court system, another anti-democratic practice. The Republican far-right Supreme Court’s recent presidential immunity decision, perhaps better referred to as the “Banana Republic Decision,” largely allows a president to do whatever lawless things he/she wishes as long as they can claim it is in an official capacity. This is the way banana republic dictators operate to stay in power, take unconstitutional or criminal actions, and persecute opponents.
The “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” referred to as “Project 2025,” explains what a fascist administration would look like. It is a presidential transition plan developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation, essentially describing fascism American-style. It should frighten any decent, democracy-loving American.
All the features of American fascism are in place.
1. An autocrat of low character (liar, felon, corrupt businessman, seditionist, bigot, would-be dictator).
2. An extremist, cult-like political movement with no proven capacity or inclination to govern responsibility.
3. A politicized supreme court with little respect for the U.S. Constitution or legal precedent.
4. A large media presence that promotes lies, hate and misinformation.
5. A heavily gerrymandered electorate in Republican states that, combined with voter suppression, could make an electoral college difference in a close election.
6. A fascist plan of action supported by extremists likely to staff a Trump administration.
This is fascism on our doorstep. The 2024 election is not about whose policy issues – dealing with women’s rights, economic development, or national security – are better, important as these are. It is whether, as a nation, we will continue to be a Constitutional democracy committed to the rule of law and the grand principles upon which we were founded.
Voters need to reflect seriously whether they value our democracy, imperfect as it is, as they prepare to cast their ballots this November. If we end up with a fascist, or strongman-authoritarian, government, Americans will find that their “kitchen table issues” pale by comparison.
Ask the Hungarians, the Turks, and the Russians.
Author: David Darby
Daily Montanan https://dailymontanan.com
Link to article: https://dailymontanan.com/2024/07/17/american-fascism-starts-in-places-like-montana/
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