January 6th Redux

On January 6, 2021, I sat on the couch for hours and watched in horror as a violent mob attacked the seat of our republic. The images were horrible, the aims of the traitors were shocking, and the lack of an immediate response was unbelievable. While I was disturbed, I had every confidence that order would be restored and that the fundamentals of our democracy were strong enough to withstand the actions of a few hundred rioters. The institutions of the U.S. are formidable.

In the last twelve days, we have witnessed an attack on the United States that is much more horrifying than the one on January 6th. This violence is directed not at a building but at the very foundations of our democracy. The administration is violating the Constitution with impunity, issuing blatantly illegal orders, purging the government of honorable public servants, punishing our allies, revving up a propaganda machine, and consolidating power in a single executive office.

Meanwhile, the population is tired of politics, disengaged, distracted, and confused by the torrent of lies and misinformation coming from the new administration. This is the authoritarian playbook. Any student of history can study how democracies end and recognize the pattern. The consolidation of power in Germany in the 1930s and the destruction of civil society in Hungary over the past fifteen years are blueprints for this administration. You might believe, “It can’t happen here.” I completely and totally disagree. I read “1984” in high school, and now we live through it.

The plan is to distract the public with culture war bullshit while they take control of the economic engine of the country. There is no objective that is positive for the average American. They are trying to steal our country. Get familiar with the terms “kleptocracy” and “oligarchy” because that is what we are experiencing. Our only hope is that it is actually a “kakistocracy,” and their incompetence will be their undoing. I have no idea where this goes or how this coup d’etat ends. I can only hope.

Please pay attention to what is happening. You are not insulated from the effects of the actions of this administration. For your own sake and the sake of your children and grandchildren, use your voice to defend the principles of liberty that are at the heart of our country. God Bless America!   

I hope that you will visit me in Guantanamo.